Lockheed Martin is pitching a new-build F-16G to the US Air Force as a way to replace aging Fighting Falcons and preserve fighter capacity. Built on the Block 70 production line in Greenville, South Carolina, the proposed jet would be an upgraded derivative rather than a simple refurbishment of existing aircraft.
The concept is still informal and no procurement decision has been made. The Air Force is in the early stages of reviewing options for its next five-year defence plan and has not yet defined the mission requirements or the range of aircraft that could fill them.
The proposed configuration would add conformal fuel tanks, 600-gallon wing tanks, an infrared search-and-track system, a Sniper targeting pod and a drag chute. That package would extend range and sensor capability while keeping the F-16 line active for potential US demand.
A new purchase would be the first US acquisition of newly built F-16s in more than 20 years. The discussion comes as the service balances ageing F-16 inventories against broader fighter-force choices involving the F-35A, F-15EX and future F-47.