ockheed Martin announced on Tuesday, October 6, from Greenville, South Carolina, the successful first flight of the Royal Moroccan Air Force’s first F-16 Block 72. The aircraft now begins its flight-test campaign, the last stage before a first delivery for which the manufacturer gives no date. The newest and most advanced variant of the Fighting Falcon, the Block 72 carries modernized avionics, advanced sensors and improved mission systems, along with features that enhance its safety and reliability. “This first flight reflects meaningful progress on Morocco’s F-16 Block 72 program and is a critical step in strengthening Morocco’s future airpower,” said Mike Shoemaker, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Integrated Fighter Group.
The tie between Lockheed Martin and the Royal Armed Forces goes back more than half a century, to the delivery of the first C-130H in 1974. Morocco’s forces today operate F-16s, C-130s, advanced radars and Black Hawk helicopters, and are due to receive HIMARS rocket launchers. The release also highlights the industrial partnership with Maintenance Aero Maroc: the future maintenance, repair and overhaul center at Benslimane, covering more than 8,000 square meters, will handle heavy maintenance and upgrades of C-130 Hercules aircraft before opening to other platforms, the F-16 among them. An investment that will serve Morocco’s ambition to become a regional hub for aircraft maintenance.
Photo: Lockheed Martin.
Lockheed Martin - Lockheed Martin Announces First Flight of Morocco’s First F-16 Block 72
