Lockheed Martin F-16CM Fighting Falcon - USA

The F-16 is one of the most ubiquitous fighter aircraft in the world, having served with 25 nations. It is also one of the most popular in USAF service, with over 2,200 airframes delivered. The United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) operate F-16s from Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany as well as Aviano Air Base in Italy.

Announced in April 2017, Lockheed Martin were awarded a contract to extend the service life of at least 300 F-16s with structural and avionics upgrades that will allow them to fly until possibly as far as 2050. The example at RIAT 2022 is from the 555th Fighter Squadron based at Aviano.

Photo Credit: Andrew Evans