First test flight for the F-16 Block 72 fighter jet destined for Morocco

A new step towards modernizing the air fleet of the Royal Armed Forces

The deal to enhance the Kingdom’s air capabilities has taken a new practical step, following the announcement by the US defense company «Lockheed Martin» regarding the first test flight of an «F-16 Block 72» fighter jet destined for Morocco.

According to the available technical data, this important step is part of the necessary technical verification and testing phases prior to the actual delivery of these advanced aircraft to the Royal Armed Forces.

Advanced electronic technologies and improved operational performance

This fighter is at the heart of an integrated process to modernize and develop Moroccan air capabilities; these aircraft benefit from a more modern and sophisticated generation of electronic equipment, intelligent sensor systems, and advanced mission management.

The updates also include modern technologies specifically designed to improve the overall operational performance of the fighters, as well as raising safety and reliability levels during various missions.

Localizing military maintenance and establishing the Benslimane center

The path of fleet development is not limited to the acquisition of equipment, but coincides with a strategic orientation towards strengthening the technical and industrial capabilities related to the maintenance of military aircraft within the territory of the Kingdom.

In this context, work is continuing to establish a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) center in the city of Benslimane, which spans a total area of over 8,000 square meters.

It is planned that this vital facility will expand its scope of intervention in the future to include «F-16» fighters, which will allow for the provision of maintenance services locally and gradually reduce reliance on external facilities.

A half-century partnership between Morocco and Lockheed Martin

For its part, the American company «Lockheed Martin» emphasized that its strategic cooperation with Morocco has spanned more than five decades.

The company noted in its statements that the bilateral partnership has entered a new phase focused, in addition to supplying advanced military equipment, on supporting and developing the local technical and industrial capabilities within the Kingdom.