Lockheed Martin confirms first Moroccan F-16 Block 72 test flight

Lockheed Martin says the first F-16 Block 72 for the Royal Moroccan Air Force has made its maiden test flight. In an October 6, 2026 statement, the US manufacturer called the flight a key milestone and said the aircraft is moving through flight testing toward first delivery.

Mike Shoemaker, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin's Integrated Fighter Group, called it a critical step in strengthening Morocco's future airpower. The F-16, he said, remains a vital part of current and future air defense, and would support Morocco's sovereignty and regional stability for decades.

The US government approved Morocco's request to buy 25 F-16 Block 72 aircraft in March 2019. Morocco's armed forces operate F-16 and C-130 aircraft, advanced radar systems and Black Hawk helicopters, and are due to receive HIMARS long-range precision fires.

Lockheed Martin also works with Morocco through partnerships including Maintenance Aero Maroc. An 8,000 square meter maintenance, repair and overhaul facility is planned at Benslimane to support heavy maintenance and modernization of C-130 Hercules aircraft, with plans to extend its work to platforms including the F-16.