We're All Safer Today, Than in 1978

Lockheed Martin celebrated the first production delivery of its F-16 Fighting Falcon 25 years ago this week. The F-16 has been one of the most successful military aircraft programs in history and has paved the way for unprecedented partnerships and cooperation among global air forces, governments and industries.

Since that historic day in 1978, 4,092 F-16s have been produced in factories in five countries (United States, Belgium, Netherlands, Turkey and Korea) and delivered to the air forces of 20 countries. Over the next three years, four additional countries (United Arab Emirates, Chile, Oman and Poland) will receive their first F-16s, for a total of 24 customers worldwide. There is a current backlog of 325 aircraft on order that will deliver through 2008.

"The two main reasons for the F-16's unprecedented success are high capability and affordable cost," said John L. Bean, vice president of F-16 programs. "The F-16 started out as a revolutionary fighter in terms of technology, and we have continued to employ the latest technologies to expand and improve its capabilities. Our customers have invested several billion dollars in the last few years in major upgrades to the aircraft, both in production and retrofit, to keep it the most-capable multirole fighter in operation.

"We consider the F-16 to be the most versatile fighter in the world -- able to perform all combat missions with distinction, employing the world's largest inventory of weapons and sensors, and tailored to meet individual customer requirements, as evidenced by 123 different versions produced or in development.

"It is also the world's most affordable front-line fighter, having the lowest cost to procure, operate and support. High capability at low cost means tremendous value to every customer."

Competent Fighter Planes for the World:

In addition to the F-16's unmatched performance, the aircraft program is a pioneer in forging international relationships that eventually led to unprecedented cooperation on such programs as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The F-16's legacy includes a historic agreement with Belgium, Denmark (pictured), the Netherlands and Norway in 1975 for the procurement of and coproduction of 348 F-16s in conjunction with the U.S. Air Force's original plans to buy 650. Half of the F-16s ordered are for international customers.

FMI: www.lockheedmartin.com; www.lmaeronautics.com