Lockheed Martin Completes First Flight of Morocco's F-16 Block 72

Lockheed Martin completed the first flight of the Royal Moroccan Air Force's first F-16 Block 72 aircraft on October 6, 2026. The flight serves as a critical milestone in the testing phase that precedes the first delivery of the aircraft to Morocco.

The Block 72 is the most advanced variant of the Fighting Falcon, equipped with modernized avionics, advanced sensors, and improved mission systems. This program continues a defense partnership between the company and Morocco that has spanned more than 50 years.

Beyond aircraft delivery, the company is supporting Morocco's objective to become a regional aircraft maintenance hub. This includes the development of an 8,000 square meter Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Benslimane. The facility will initially support C-130 Hercules aircraft before expanding its capabilities to include the F-16 platform.