The Investor
06 Oct 2026, 17:40
Lockheed Martin Completes First Flight of Morocco’s First F-16 Block 72
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) announced the successful first flight of the Royal Moroccan Air Force’s first F-16 Block 72 aircraft, marking a major milestone ahead of initial delivery.
The F-16 Block 72 is the latest and most advanced version of the Fighting Falcon, featuring upgraded avionics, advanced sensors, improved mission systems and enhanced safety and reliability capabilities.
Lockheed Martin said the aircraft will now continue through flight testing as Morocco advances its F-16 modernization program. The company described the program as an important step in strengthening the country’s future airpower and regional defense capabilities.
The milestone also builds on a defense relationship between Lockheed Martin and Morocco that spans more than five decades. Morocco currently operates Lockheed Martin platforms including F-16s, C-130s, radar systems and Black Hawks, and is also set to receive HIMARS systems.
Lockheed is also expanding its industrial footprint in Morocco through initiatives including a new maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Benslimane, which is initially designed to support C-130 aircraft and could later expand to the F-16 platform.
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) announced the successful first flight of the Royal Moroccan Air Force’s first F-16 Block 72 aircraft, marking a major milestone ahead of initial delivery.
The F-16 Block 72 is the latest and most advanced version of the Fighting Falcon, featuring upgraded avionics, advanced sensors, improved mission systems and enhanced safety and reliability capabilities.
Lockheed Martin said the aircraft will now continue through flight testing as Morocco advances its F-16 modernization program. The company described the program as an important step in strengthening the country’s future airpower and regional defense capabilities.
The milestone also builds on a defense relationship between Lockheed Martin and Morocco that spans more than five decades. Morocco currently operates Lockheed Martin platforms including F-16s, C-130s, radar systems and Black Hawks, and is also set to receive HIMARS systems.
Lockheed is also expanding its industrial footprint in Morocco through initiatives including a new maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Benslimane, which is initially designed to support C-130 aircraft and could later expand to the F-16 platform.
