Bahrain Welcomes Its Inaugural F-16 Block 70 with Lockheed Martin and Air Force Ceremony
Bahraini, American, and Lockheed Martin representatives today commemorated the inaugural F-16 Block 70 for the Royal Bahraini Air Force at Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] in Greenville, South Carolina.
The Kingdom of Bahrain boasts a remarkable relationship with the F-16: It was the pioneering F-16 operator within the Gulf Cooperation Council, initiating its journey in the early 1990s, and is now receiving the first F-16 Block 70 model.
“Today’s event symbolizes the evolution of the formidable and established heritage of the F-16, showcasing Lockheed Martin’s dedication to advancing this initiative and delivering this essential aircraft along with its sophisticated 21st Century Security capabilities to the frontline,” stated OJ Sanchez, vice president of the Integrated Fighter Group, which encompasses the F-16 program. “With the Block 70 variant, we are revolutionizing 4th generation technology for the next era for the Royal Bahraini Air Force and other partners and allies globally.”
This F-16 Block 70 aircraft is the first of 16 jets designated for Bahrain and took to the skies for its initial flight on January 24, 2023. From this point, it will undergo further flight evaluations at Edwards Air Force Base before its arrival in Bahrain in 2024.
Six nations have opted for Block 70/72 aircraft. In addition to the existing official backlog of 127 jets scheduled for construction in Greenville, Jordan has signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for 12 jets, and Lockheed Martin has secured a contract to commence its long-lead operations. Bulgaria has also finalized an LOA for an additional eight jets for its fleet. Following these agreements, the backlog will swell to 147.
“The F-16 celebrated today was crafted by our skilled and dedicated workforce in Greenville,” remarked Danya Trent, vice president of F-16 Programs and leader of the Greenville site. “We take pride in designating Greenville as the global hub for the F-16 and eagerly anticipate continuing to produce aircraft that support missions worldwide.”
