The mounting F-16 order book is impressive, with 140 fighters currently on contract. This comprises Bahrain (16 aircraft), Bulgaria (eight), Jordan (12), Slovakia (14), and Taiwan (66). With 11 of these delivered as of June 2024 (six for Bahrain and five for Slovakia), Lockheed had a backlog of 129 jets, including 24 that are being built for an undisclosed customer. Bulgaria has signed a Letter Of Authorization for an additional eight jets for its fleet.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the U.S. military’s central foreign sales office, issued separate statements about the two potential deals on Mar. 25, 2019. The upgrade package, valued at more than $985 million, covers the cost of bringing the RMAF’s 23 existing F-16C/D Block 52+ aircraft up to the F-16V standard, as well as a variety of other ancillary items and support services. The purchase of the 25 new Block 72 aircraft, which also includes various other equipment, weapons, and services, comes with a price tag of $3.8 billion.

Morocco is close to finalising a deal with the United States to buy F-35 stealth fighter jets in what would mark a major upgrade for its air force and a significant shift in North Africa’s military balance, Africa Intelligence reported.