The Debut of Morocco's F-16 Block 72
In a remarkable development for Morocco's military aviation, the first F-16 Block 72 aircraft lifted off from the Lockheed Martin facility in Greenville, South Carolina, on October 6, 2026. This dual-seat F-16D, identified by the serial number 8041, is notable for being the inaugural Block 72 model powered by the Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engine. The Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) has placed an order for 25 of these advanced fighters, with a total investment of approximately $3.8 billion, a contract finalized in 2018. While the exact number of dual-seat variants has yet to be disclosed by either the RMAF or U.S. authorities, the anticipation surrounding this new addition to the Moroccan fleet is palpable.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the F-16 Block 72 features the AN/APG-83 AESA radar, enhancing its operational capabilities. The RMAF has also confirmed that these aircraft will be armed with the AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles, which are the export version of the AIM-120D, boasting an impressive range of approximately 180 km (112 miles). This range is considered to be nearly double that of the previous AIM-120C model, significantly enhancing Morocco's aerial defense capabilities.
Future Deliveries and Upgrades
According to reports from the Marrakesh Airshow, held from October 7 to 10, the RMAF expects the delivery of these new aircraft to commence in late 2027 or early 2028. These state-of-the-art F-16s are anticipated to either replace the existing Mirage F1-VI squadrons stationed at Sidi Slimane air base or be based at Ben Guerir, where the current F-16 Block 52+s operate. It is also possible that some of the new Block 72s could eventually be transferred to Sidi Slimane.
Interestingly, sources from the RMAF have indicated that the 23 existing Block 52+ fighters will not undergo upgrades to the Block 72 standard. This decision stems from the belief that the new F-16 Block 72s, equipped with longer-range capabilities, render such upgrades unnecessary. Initially, in March 2019, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) had announced plans to upgrade the RMAF's Block 52+s to the F-16V standard, which included the AN/APG-83 AESA radar. However, RMAF personnel have clarified that the only significant modification planned for the older aircraft will involve a G-LOC upgrade to enhance safety features, specifically the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto-G CAS), ensuring the safety of pilots and the aircraft.
At the Marrakesh Airshow, a pair of F-16 Block 52+s from Ben Guerir showcased their operational versatility, with crews drawn from all three squadrons: 1 Escadron ‘Viper,’ specializing in operational missions; 2 Escadron ‘Falcon,’ dedicated to training; and 3 Escadron ‘Spark,’ focusing on ISR, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. The armaments on the F-16C 08-8014 included AIM-120C5 AMRAAMs, AIM-9X Sidewinders, Laser-JDAMs, and various fuel tanks, demonstrating the aircraft's diverse operational capabilities. The dual-seat F-16D also featured AIM-120C5s and AIM-9X missiles but was equipped with AGM-88 High-speed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARMs) instead of laser-guided bombs.
Additionally, the RMAF's F-16s operate with the DB110 airborne reconnaissance pod, which was included in the initial order for the F-16C/Ds. Morocco has requested six DB-110s as part of its procurement of the 25 F-16 Block 72 aircraft, further enhancing its reconnaissance capabilities.
As reported by edrmagazine.eu.
