GREENVILLE, S.C., March 6, 2024 – Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) marked a significant milestone today with the departure of its first ferry cell of three F-16 Block 70 jets from Greenville, S.C. to Bahrain. The event highlighted Bahrain’s role as the first Gulf Cooperation Council member state to operate F-16s and now the first country to integrate the F-16 Block 70 into its fleet.
To date, Lockheed Martin has built five F-16 Block 70 jets for Bahrain, with 11 more in various stages of production and testing, with the first aircraft flying flight test missions with the 416th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Joint Fighter Group, emphasized the importance of the F-16 to the 21st Century Joint Security Front: “With the introduction of the F-16 Block 70, we are witnessing a major leap in fighter jet capabilities. The integration of this proven platform will enable the Bahraini Air Force to effectively defend its skies and collaborate with allies around the world,” Sanchez said.
“More than 3,100 F-16s are in service with 25 countries, proving the F-16’s reputation as an extremely reliable and versatile fighter jet.” Sanchez also acknowledged the enduring partnership between the U.S. government, Bahrain and Lockheed Martin, a relationship that reflects shared values in defense, economic growth and cultural ties.
F-16 Block 70 jets are at the forefront of 4.5 generation technology, representing a major leap in fighter aircraft capabilities. These aircraft are equipped with APG-83 AESA radar, advanced avionics, modernized cockpits with new safety systems and advanced weapons platforms. Additional enhancements include conformal fuel tanks for extended range, improved performance engines, and an industry-leading extended structural service life of 12,000 hours. A key safety feature, the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto GCAS), introduced in late 2014, helped save the lives of 13 pilots across 12 jets, demonstrating the aircraft’s superior safety and performance capabilities.
Lockheed Martin’s commitment to the Middle East spans more than 50 years, focusing on advanced technologies for regional security and critical missions. The F-16 Block 70 program’s current backlog includes 133 aircraft for six countries. This year, Lockheed Martin expects 19 to 21 jets to be delivered off the company’s production line in Greenville, leveraging 1LMX’s advanced manufacturing and digital technologies. Lockheed Martin predicts up to 300 additional jets could be delivered worldwide.
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our full-spectrum mission solutions and 21st century security vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to keep the customers we serve ahead of the curve. For more information, visit Lockheedmartin.com.
