US approves major F-16 weapons package for UAE under emergency authorization The United States has approved a major weapons package for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), aimed at enhancing the combat capabilities of its F-16 fleet. The combined value of the two approved packages...

The US approves a $1.86B emergency weapons package for UAE F-16s.Includes up to 400 AMRAAMs, 1,500 SDBs, and 1200 JDAM kits. The package supports the UAE’s F-16E/F Block 60 “Desert Falcon” fleet.

Top Aces to train Argentine Air Force F‑16 pilots The Argentine Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Argentina, FAA) has awarded a multi‑year contract to Canadian air services provider Top Aces to deliver F‑16 pilot training, marking a key milestone in Buenos Air...

Argentina is building its F‑16 capability with Top Aces training its new pilots. The programme combines classroom, simulator, and live flight instruction on Argentine aircraft, aiming to develop combat-ready pilots and future instructor pilots.

Greece approves F-16 upgrades alongside new air defense investments Greece approved a new defense package that includes further upgrades to its F-16 fighter fleet alongside the acquisition of additional air defense systems, as part of a broader effort to modernize its...

Greece is expanding its F-16 modernization: ~150 jets in service, ~40 already upgraded, and 38 more Block 50 aircraft set to receive the Viper upgrade. Full story on F-16.net.

South Korean Air Force F-16 crashes during night training; pilot ejects safely A Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) F-16 fighter jet crashed during a nighttime training sortie on February 25, 2026. The pilot safely ejected and was rescued shortly after the incident, military of...

A Republic of Korea Air Force F-16 crashed during a night training mission on Feb. 25. The pilot ejected safely and was rescued in stable condition.

🏷️ #rokaf #f16

Turkish F-16 crash in Balıkesir claims pilot’s life A Turkish Air Force F-16 crashed shortly after takeoff from Balıkesir in the early hours of February 25, 2026, killing the pilot.

A Turkish Air Force F-16 crashed shortly after takeoff from Balıkesir in the early hours of Feb. 25. The pilot was killed. The aircraft was assigned to the 9th Main Jet Base Command. An investigation is underway.

🏷️ #tuaf #f16 #balıkesir

Slovakia exploring purchase of four additional F-16 Block 70 fighter Slovakia is holding discussions with the United States about acquiring four additional F-16 fighter jets, potentially expanding its future fleet from 14 to 18 aircraft.

Slovakia is in talks with the U.S. to acquire four more F‑16 Block 70 fighters, potentially increasing its fleet to 18 jets. This move would enhance Slovakia’s ability to independently patrol its airspace after relying on NATO allies for air policing.

Denmark bids farewell to F-16 after 46 years of service Denmark's Royal Danish Air Force (RDAF) has officially retired its F-16 fleet following 46 years of dedicated service, marking a significant milestone in the nation's aviation history.

Denmark's F-16 fleet flies into history after 46 yrs! The F-35 takes over amid Arctic ops. Epic legacy!

Read more: www.f-16.net/f-16-news-ar...

🏷️ #f16 #rdaf #denmark

Hmm, interesting indeed.

Taiwanese F-16V crashes off Hualien during night training; pilot missing A Republic of China Air Force (RoCAF) F-16V fighter jet has crashed into the sea off Taiwan’s eastern coast during a routine nighttime training mission, with the pilot believed to have ejected but rem...

RoCAF F-16V #6700 down off Hualien during night ops—pilot Capt. Hsin Po-yi (29) missing post-ejection in stormy weather. Mission computer failure suspected; all Taiwan Vipers grounded amid ongoing SAR. Thoughts with the 5th TFW family. #F16 #AviationNews

Turkish F-16s shoot down stray drone over the Black Sea Turkish Air Force F-16s intercepted and destroyed an unmanned aerial vehicle over the Black Sea after it approached Turkish airspace, the country’s Ministry of National Defence confirmed.

Turkish Air Force F-16s intercepted and shot down an out-of-control drone over the Black Sea after it approached Turkish airspace. The UAV was destroyed safely away from populated areas as a precaution. #tuaf

Lockheed Martin completes production of initial F-16 Block 70 fleets for Bulgaria and Slovakia Lockheed Martin has completed production of the initial F-16 Block 70 fleets for Bulgaria and Slovakia, marking the transition of both air forces from legacy MiG‑29s to a modern, NATO‑interoperable Vi...

Lockheed Martin wraps up initial F-16 Block 70 production for Bulgaria & Slovakia. New-build Vipers w/ APG-83 AESA, CFTs, Auto-GCAS & 12k hr life—MiG-29s out, NATO standard in. First Euro fleets at this spec. #F16 #Block70 #Aviation

Thunderbirds F-16C crashes near Trona during training; Pilot ejects safely A Block 52 F-16C from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team crashed late Wednesday morning in a remote desert area near Trona, California, after the pilot safely ejected and sustained onl...

A U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds F-16C crashed near Trona, California during a training mission today. The pilot ejected safely and sustained only minor injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

🏷️ #Thunderbirds #F16 #USAF

First ex-Danish F-16s on route to Argentina Today the first six refurbished former Flyvevåbnet (Royal Danish Air Force, RDAF) F-16s departed from Skrydstrup AB, beginning their long journey to join the Fuerza Aérea Argentina (Argentinian Air Fo...

The first refurbished ex-Danish F-16s are on their way to Argentina. Six jets left Skrydstrup AB today, beginning their delivery under the Peace Condor program. The aircraft will route via Zaragoza, Lajes, Brazil and arrive in Río Cuarto on 5 December, before a formal handover on 12 December.

U.S. awards new contract to sustain Iraqi F-16 fleet through 2026 The United States has awarded Vectrus Systems Corp. a $252 million contract to continue providing maintenance and support services for the Iraqi Air Force’s F-16 fleet.

The U.S. is extending support for Iraq’s F-16 program: Vectrus wins a $252M contract to keep the country’s 34 F-16s mission-ready through 2026. The jets remain Iraq’s main strike and air-defense capability. #iqaf

US accelerates F-16V deliveries to Taiwan amid production delays The United States is working to speed up the manufacturing of the F-16V “Viper” fighter jets ordered by Taiwan, after the island’s defence ministry reported a series of production delays.

The U.S. is working overtime to speed up delayed F-16V deliveries to Taiwan.50 jets are already on the line, but supply-chain issues pushed timelines past 2026. Contractors now running two 20-hour shifts to catch up. #f16 #taiwan

Romania takes ownership of 18 Dutch F-16s for training and operational use Romania has formally taken ownership of 18 F-16AM/BM Fighting Falcons previously operated by the Royal Netherlands Air Force. The transfer agreement between the two governments was signed on November ...

Romania now officially owns 18 F-16s from the Netherlands 🇷🇴🇳🇱
The jets are part of the European F-16 Training Center at Fetești and will support both pilot training and operational missions.

www.f-16.net/f-16-news-ar... #f16 #roaf #romania #rnlaf

Prince Christian of Denmark seen in an F-16B Block 20 MLU with serial ET-615 painted in Argentina colors.

Prince Christian of Denmark at the controls of F-16B Block 20 MLU with serial number ET-615, which is already painted in Argentina colors with serial #1004 and codes and flags covered with Danish stickers.

More info on this F-16: f-16.net/aircraft-dat... #rdaf #faa #sabca

Belgium welcomes its first F-35 fighters at Florennes Air Base Belgium officially entered the fifth-generation fighter era yesterday as the first three F-35A Lightning II aircraft arrived at Florennes Air Base, marking the nation’s first introduction of a new fig...

A historic day for the Belgian Air Force. The first 3 F-35A Lightning II fighters have arrived at Florennes Air Base — the first new generation of combat aircraft Belgium has received in almost 50 years. One aircraft was forced to remain behind in the Azores due to technical issues. #f35 #baf

Peru cleared for possible purchase of F-16 Block 70 jets The U.S. State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Peru for a fleet of F-16 Block 70 Fighting Falcons and associated systems.

The U.S. has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Peru for a fleet of F-16 Block 70 F-16s and associated systems. The proposed package, valued at an estimated $3.42 billion, represents a major step forward in the modernization of the Peruvian Air Force (FAP).

🏷️ #peru #fms #f16

Ukrainian Interceptor Drones Successfully Operate Alongside F-16s During Nighttime Attack Ukrainian drones successfully engaged Russian targets during a recent strike, highlighting their effective role in air defense alongside F-16s.

🦾 Ukrainian interceptor drones successfully engaged Russian targets alongside F-16 fighter jets during the latest attack, Air Force spox says.

Belgium's Air Force takes on strategic NATO air policing in Iceland The Belgian Air Component (BAC) has officially taken command of a crucial air policing mission over strategic Icelandic airspace, deploying a contingent of F-16s to Keflavik Air Base.

Belgium’s F-16s are now conducting Quick Reaction Alert missions from Keflavik Air Base, securing the critical GIUK gap. With the F-35 on the horizon, this deployment underscores their enduring role in NATO airspace protection.

🏷️ #F16 #NATO #AirPolicing #Belgium #AvGeek

A Polish Air Force pilot, Major Maciej “Slab” Krakowian, was killed when his F-16 crashed during a rehearsal for the Radom International Airshow.

Article: f-16.net/f-16-news-ar...
Tribute: f-16.net/inmemoriam_t...

We're heartbroken by the tragic loss. Our thoughts are with his loved ones.

PolAF F-16C block 52 #4047 from 31 BLT is taxiing by the lens right after the base organised an elephant walk on October 31st, 2024. [Photo by Arek Biały]

Poland is set to modernize its #F16 fleet, keeping the jets combat-ready well into the 2030s. The upgrade program will boost avionics, extend service life, and ensure full interoperability with NATO allies.

Details 👉 www.f-16.net/f-16-news-ar...

RTAF F-16AM #40319 from 403 sqn is flying a training sortie together with a sistership. [RAAF photo]

A Royal Thai Air Force F-16 conducted airstrikes this week amid escalating clashes with Cambodian forces along the disputed border. It's the first confirmed combat use of Thai F-16s in recent years.

Full story on F-16.net: www.f-16.net/f-16-news-ar...

🏷️ #F16 #Thailand #Cambodia #RTAF

Sharing this as many US Viper drivers started out at the 50th...

The F-16C flagship of the 52d Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, flies in the skies over northern Germany. Spangdahlem AB consists of two F-16 squadrons, the 22nd and 23rd Fighter Squadrons. It's also home to the 81st Fighter Squadron, which flies the A-10. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Blake R. Borsic)

Today in history: 8 Jul 1987 - Spangdahlem Air Base , Germany, activates with F-16C/D's, joining the F-4G Wild Weasels on defense suppression hunter/killer teams. This NATO air base with the United USAF as a tenant was constructed between 1951 and 1953.

🏷️ #aviationhistory #f16history #spangdahlem

Lt. Col. Maksym Yuriiovych Ustymenko

Ukraine lost F-16 pilot Lt. Col. Ustymenko while heroically defending Ukraine during a large-scale Russian missile and drone strike. He shot down 7 threats before crashing, unable to eject. A tragic loss of a top pilot. 🇺🇦

News article: f-16.net/f-16-news-ar...
In memoriam: f-16.net/inmemoriam_t...

RoKAF F-16D block 52 #93-120 from the 20th FW takes off from Eielson AFB on October 3rd, 2014 during Red Flag-Alaska 15-1. [USAF photo by TSgt. Joseph Swafford Jr.]

A South Korean Air Force KF-16D crashed during takeoff at Eielson AFB in Alaska around 16:00 on Tuesday. The jet, participating in a Red Flag exercise, encountered an emergency shortly after becoming airborne, prompting both pilots to eject.

Read more: www.f-16.net/f-16-news-ar... #rokaf #alaska

Capt. Ethan "Bantam" Smith, PACAF F-16 Demonstration Team commander, salutes his crew chief as he taxis out in an F-16 Fighting Falcon during the team’s final flight at Misawa AB, on May 30, 2025. Since 1995, the demo team enhanced U.S. outreach efforts over a span of 30 years with approximately 400 airshows to 24.7 million audience members. [USAF photo by TSgt. Peter Reft]

The PACAF F-16 Demo Team conducts its final flight at Misawa AB, on May 30, 2025, after 30 years of enhancing U.S. relations worldwide.

Full article: www.f-16.net/f-16-news-ar...

Profile of F-16 Pilot Thomas "T.O." Hanford

On June 2, 1995 a US F-16 was shot down by a Serb-launched missile while on patrol over Bosnia. The pilot, Capt. Scott O'Grady, ejected safely and landed behind Serb lines. He was rescued 6 days later. Check out the story about Maj. Thomas Hanford though f-16.net/pilots-profi...
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