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// DOSSIER — morocco-first-f16-block-72-fighter-completes-maiden
Morocco's First F-16 Block 72 Fighter Completes Maiden Flight in South Carolina
REL_TIME: 10 Oct 2026 13:12Z · LANG: EN
The Royal Moroccan Air Force's first F-16D Block 72 conducted its maiden flight on October 6, 2026, from Lockheed Martin's assembly facility in Greenville, South Carolina. The aircraft represents the world's first new-build flight for the Block 72 variant, which is powered by Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engines. The flight initiates testing for Morocco's planned acquisition of 25 new-build Block 72s alongside an upgrade program for 23 existing Block 52+ airframes to the F-16V standard. The prospective 48-aircraft force, equipped with AN/APG-83 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars, is aimed at modernizing Morocco's air fleet amid long-standing geopolitical and military rivalry with neighbouring Algeria.
// Background
In March 2019, the U.S. State Department approved two Foreign Military Sales packages for Morocco: approximately $3.787 billion for 25 new F-16C/D Block 72 fighters and $985.2 million to upgrade 23 existing F-16 Block 52+ airframes to the F-16V configuration. Morocco previously received 24 F-16s between 2011 and 2012, losing one over Yemen in 2015. While the Block 70 configuration uses General Electric F110 engines, the Block 72 employs Pratt & Whitney F100 engines, aligning with Morocco's established maintenance and supply chain infrastructure. The aircraft incorporate AN/APG-83 SABR radars, Link 16 datalinks, and Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance Systems, with operations planned out of Ben Guerir and Sidi Slimane air bases.
// Key Developments
- Lockheed Martin flew the first two-seat F-16D Block 72 destined for Morocco on October 6, 2026, marking the global maiden flight of a new-build Block 72.
- Morocco is pursuing an expanded 48-jet fleet consisting of 25 newly produced Block 72 aircraft and 23 upgraded Block 52+ jets converted to the F-16V standard.
- The Block 72 variant features Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engines, ensuring propulsion commonality with Morocco's existing F-16 fleet.
- Fleet modernization occurs against the backdrop of strategic rivalry with Algeria over Western Sahara, as Algiers integrates advanced Russian combat aircraft including Su-35s and Su-57Es.
- The milestone follows Lockheed Martin's October 2, 2026 delivery of the first two F-16V Block 70 fighters to Taiwan from its Greenville facility.
// Timeline
-
U.S. State Department approves Foreign Military Sales packages for 25 new F-16 Block 72s and 23 F-16V upgrades for Morocco.
-
U.S. defense contract awards production delivery orders supporting Moroccan F-16 manufacturing.
-
CAE Inc. is awarded a $42.1 million contract for two F-16 Block 72 flight simulators at Sidi Slimane Air Base.
-
Taiwan receives its first two factory-new F-16V Block 70 jets from Lockheed Martin's Greenville facility.
-
Morocco's first two-seat F-16D Block 72 completes its maiden flight in Greenville, South Carolina.
// Perspectives
[Lockheed Martin]
Views the first flight as evidence of production momentum in Greenville and a major milestone in providing modernized fourth-generation air defense platforms to allied nations.
[Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF)]
Seeks fleet homogenization, extended structural airframe life, and enhanced situational awareness via AESA radars to offset regional numerical disparities.
[United States Government]
Maintains defense cooperation with Morocco as a major non-NATO ally, stating the FMS modernization packages support allied capability without altering the regional military balance.
[Defense Analysts]
Note that while the Block 72 provides modern sensors and network capabilities, overall operational impact will hinge on delivery schedules, weapons integration, simulator readiness, and local sustainment capacity.
// Quotes
“This first flight demonstrates the significant progress of Morocco's F-16 Block 72 programme and marks an essential step in strengthening Morocco's future air power.”
“The F-16 remains a vital component of today's and future air defense, and we're proud of the role it will continue to play in supporting Morocco's sovereignty and contributing to regional stability for decades to come.”
