Lockheed Martin (Lockheed Martin) announced on the 24th that the first F-16V block 70 fighter jet has successfully made its first flight. This batch of newly produced F-16V also includes 66 aircraft from Taiwan. It is expected to be deployed in Taitung after all deliveries in 2026. Enhance the combat power of the air force.

(The picture is taken from the official website of Lockheed Martin)

[Instant News/Comprehensive Report] Lockheed Martin announced on the 24th that the first F-16V block 70 fighter jet has successfully made its maiden flight. This batch of newly produced F-16V is an order from 5 countries, including Taiwan. Among them, a total of 66 are expected to be deployed in Taitung after all of them are delivered in 2026 to enhance the combat power of the air force.

Based on US media reports, Lockheed Martin said that the first F-16V block 70 fighter jet made its maiden flight at its factory in Greenville, South Carolina on the 24th.

The first flight time is about 50 minutes, mainly testing the basic performance and checking the engine, flight control system and fuel system.

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The newly produced F-16V is not modified like the old F-16A/B in our country, but a new production batch. The most obvious difference in appearance is the long strip-shaped protrusion on the back of the machine, so that it can be installed with more Multi-electronic equipment, and even suitable fuel tanks can be installed to increase the maximum combat range.

The most important upgrade of this batch of F-16V is the "AN/APG-83" active phased array radar (AESA), which enables it to have stronger enemy search and engagement capabilities.

The cockpit is also fully digitized, including a new multi-function display, mission computer and electronic warfare suite.

The engine part uses General Electric's "F110" turbofan engine.

This batch of F-16V will produce 148 in the future and will be exported to Bahrain, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Taiwan and Jordan.

Among them, Taiwan includes 66 aircraft, accounting for about half of the total production. From this year to 2026, they will receive them and deploy them at Zhihang Base in Taitung.

The newly produced F-16V is not modified like the old F-16A/B in our country, but a new production batch. The most obvious difference in appearance is the long strip-shaped protrusion on the back of the machine, so that it can be installed with more Multi-electronic equipment, and even suitable fuel tanks can be installed to increase the maximum combat range.

(The picture is taken from the official website of Lockheed Martin)