UAE in talks to upgrade F16 fleet?

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The UAE Air Force flies the Block 60 F-16 "Desert Falcon," the most advanced 4th Generation fighter aircraft operating today A top aerospace and advanced technologies company official said they are working on a supportability upgrade with the UAE Air Force to ensure the viability of its F-16 Desert Falcon fleet. This was announced by Rick Groesch, director of business development, Lockheed Martin, at a media briefing on the sidelines of the third day of the International Defence Exposition and Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

Groesch told Khaleej Times: "Back in 2000, the UAE Air Force ordered a total of 80 Block 60 F-16 jets. (These) are by far the most advanced fourth-generation fighter planes in the world."

"The Block 60 F-16s have unique capabilities, designed specifically for the UAE and we are proud to say that they have been using these for defence in various conflict areas in the region," added Groesh, who is a former F-16 pilot for almost two decades.

"(But) situation changes; threats changes," Groesh continued. "So we have to modify the aircraft so we can have the best generation fighter plane in the world."

"We are in the advanced stages of talking about the supportability upgrade right now," Groesh confirmed.

F-16 fast facts

- F-16 is touted as the world's most successful, combat-proven fourth-generation multi-role fighter jet

- 4,560+ F-16s produced to date

- 28 customers around the world; 55 repeat buys from 16 countries

- More than 400,000 combat sorties flown

F-16V is the latest F-16 upgrade, featuring an active electronically scanned array radar which can beam radio waves to different directions without moving the antenna

UAE F-16 Fleet

The UAE Air Force flies the Block 60 F-16 "Desert Falcon," the most advanced 4th Generation fighter aircraft operating today. At the turn of the century, The UAE Air Force ordered a total of 80 F-16E/F Block 60 aircraft , becoming the first customer for this advanced version of the F-16 Fighting Falcons. Final deliveries of the fighter jets were concluded in 2007, giving the air force a considerable multi-role operability and capability to protect regional interests and advance stability.

Angel Tesorero

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