Air Force Explores Buying New F-16 Fighters After Two-Decade Pause

2026-09-18 companies

Washington, Thursday, 17 September 2026.
The U.S. Air Force is evaluating purchasing new F-16G fighters for the first time since 2005 to bridge fleet shortages caused by F-35 delivery delays.

Procurement Proposal Overview

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) is actively proposing a new F-16G variant to the U.S. Air Force to mitigate critical force-structure capacity shortfalls [1][2]. This evaluation marks the first potential purchase of new-build F-16 fighters by the service since 2005 [4][7]. The proposal comes as the Pentagon seeks cost-effective solutions to bolster aging tactical fighter squadrons amidst delays in F-35 deliveries [1][6]. The current fleet averages 34 years in age, with the newest aircraft delivered over two decades ago [3][4]. Lockheed Martin suggests the modernized F-16G could provide an immediate solution while F-35 production ramps up [1][2]. Defense officials note that relying solely on the F-35 has left the Air Force short of new airframes needed to replace retiring units [2][6].

Strategic Capacity Goals

A 2025 Air Force study identified a necessity for increased fighter production to close the growing capacity gap [3][6]. The Congressional Research Service indicates the service aims to grow its fighter inventory from 1,098 aircraft in fiscal 2026 to 1,558 by fiscal 2035 [3][6]. This expansion represents a significant percentage increase calculated as 41.894 to maintain acceptable operational risk levels [3][6]. Achieving this target requires accelerating procurement beyond the current F-35 production pace [2][7]. The F-35 program has faced complex production processes that limit output compared to legacy platforms [2][7]. Consequently, the Pentagon procurement strategy may shift to include legacy production lines [1][5].

Technical Specifications and Production

The proposed F-16G builds upon the current Block 70 F-16, which is Lockheed’s newest production version [2][4]. Enhancements include conformal fuel tanks, 600-gallon wing tanks, and an infrared search and track pod [2][6]. Additional features such as a Sniper targeting pod and a drag chute would extend the jet’s range and sensor capability [2][6]. Production would occur at the Lockheed Martin facility in Greenville, South Carolina [1][4]. This facility opened in 2019 and focuses on the Block 70/72 variant for international customers [4][7]. As of February 2026, Lockheed Martin reported 37 Block 70/72 aircraft delivered with 111 remaining on order [4].

Budgetary Considerations and Timeline

The Air Force is analyzing options for its next Future Years Defense Program during the development of the fiscal 2028 budget [3][7]. On 17 September 2026, the Air Force stated it is in the initial phases of analyzing options and has not confirmed any F-16G requirement [1][3]. Lockheed Martin declined to confirm specific details on 16 September 2026, stating only readiness to support mission needs [2][3]. Previous discussions regarding new F-16 purchases occurred in 2021, citing the active production line as a capacity solution [2][7]. Senator Thomas Cotton proposed acquiring newly built U.S.-configured Block 80 F-16s on 20 May 2025, contingent on Congressional funding [7]. However, Air Force Chief of Staff General David Allvin noted production capacity constraints due to Foreign Military Sales on the same date [7]. Uncertainty remains regarding the final decision [alert! ‘No specific deadline for procurement decision mentioned in sources’].

Sources

Defense Procurement Lockheed Martin