First F-16 Block 70 Fighters Head to Bahrain

The Persian Gulf island country is the first Gulf Cooperation Council member to operate the jets, Lockheed Martin said.

Wednesday, March 06, 2024 at 03:42 PM ET

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Preflight checks are completed on Bahrain's F-16 Block 70 single-seat fighter jet in preparation for its ferry flight from Lockheed Martin's facility in Greenville, South Carolina, on Wednesday. [Courtesy: Lockheed Martin]

Key Takeaways:

Bahrain became the first Gulf Cooperation Council member to receive Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70 fighter jets, with the initial delivery departing the U.S.
The F-16 Block 70 is a 4.5 generation fighter equipped with advanced features such as APG-83 AESA radar, modernized avionics, conformal fuel tanks, and an automatic ground collision avoidance system.
Lockheed Martin anticipates delivering 19-21 F-16 Block 70 jets this year, with Bahrain having ordered a total of at least 16 for its Royal Bahraini Air Force.

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The first Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70s departed the U.S. for Bahrain on Wednesday, making the Persian Gulf island country the first Gulf Cooperation Council member to operate the fighter jets.

The ferry cell of aircraft left Lockheed Martin’s facility in Greenville, South Carolina, on Wednesday, and are among the 19-21 jets produced at the facility that the company anticipates delivering this year.