


| Name | F-16 Block 70 Viper |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Type / Role | Multirole Fighter |
| Generation | 4.5 |
| Status | In Production |
| First Flight | 1974 (F-16 family) |
| Introduction / In Service Since | 2019 |
| Number Built | Ongoing |
| Operators | Bahrain, Slovakia, Taiwan, Bulgaria |
| Length | 15.06 m |
| Wingspan | 9.96 m |
| Height | 4.88 m |
| Wing Area | 27.87 sq m |
| Empty Weight | 8,570 kg |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) | 19,200 kg |
| Internal Weapons Bay | None |
| External Hardpoints | 9 |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 2+ |
| Range | 4,200 km with drop tanks |
| Combat Radius | 550 to 740 km |
| Service Ceiling | 50,000 ft |
| Rate of Climb | 254 m per second |
| Thrust-to-Weight Ratio | 1.1 |
| G Limits | +9 g |
| Engine Type | F100 or F110 turbofan |
| No. of Engines | 1 |
| Thrust (each) | Up to 29,000 lbf |
| Thrust Vectoring | No |
| Fuel Capacity | 3,100 kg internal |
| Gun | 20 mm M61A1 Vulcan |
| Missiles (Air-to-Air) | AIM 9X, AIM 120 |
| Missiles (Air-to-Ground) | AGM 65, AGM 88 |
| Bombs | JDAM, Paveway series |
| Hardpoints | 9 |
| Payload Capacity | 7,700 kg |
| Radar | AN APG 83 AESA |
| Radar Range | 300 km plus |
| Electronic Warfare (EW) System | Integrated digital EW suite |
| Targeting System | Sniper or LITENING pod |
| Helmet Display | JHMCS |
| Navigation | GPS INS |
| Autopilot / AI Assistance | Advanced flight control computer |
| Communication | Link 16 |
| Radar Cross Section (RCS) | Reduced, non stealth |
| Stealth Features | Radar absorbent materials |
| Infrared Signature Reduction | Engine and exhaust management |
| Sensor Fusion | Limited compared to fifth gen |
| Networking Capabilities | Full NATO interoperability |
| Special Export Versions | Country specific avionics |
| Major Conflicts / Deployments | Not yet combat deployed |
| Notable Operators | Taiwan, Bahrain |
| Combat Proven? | Based on F-16 legacy |
| Mission Types | Air defense, strike, SEAD |
| Unit Cost | 65 to 70 million USD |
| Development Cost | Part of F-16V program |
| Program Name | F-16 Block 70 |
| Funding Countries | United States and partners |
| Upgrades Planned | Software and sensor updates |
| Future Replacement | F-35 in U.S. service |
| Export Restrictions | ITAR controlled |
| Notable Achievements | Most advanced F-16 variant |
| Competitors | JAS 39 Gripen, Rafale |
The F-16 Block 70, also known as the F-16V Viper, represents the most advanced production version of the long serving F-16 Fighting Falcon. Built by Lockheed Martin in the United States, this aircraft is designed to give allied air forces a modern, affordable, and combat ready multirole fighter.
Originally developed as a lightweight air superiority fighter, the F-16 has evolved into a proven platform for air to air combat, precision strike, suppression of enemy air defenses, and close air support. The Block 70 upgrade focuses on sensors, survivability, and service life rather than stealth, making it well suited for nations seeking advanced capability without fifth generation cost and complexity.
At the core of the F-16 Block 70 is the AN APG 83 AESA radar, which offers longer detection range, better target tracking, and improved performance in electronic warfare environments. The cockpit features a large center display, modern mission computer, and advanced data links that improve pilot awareness and joint operations with U.S. and NATO forces.
The aircraft can reach speeds above Mach 2 and has a combat radius suitable for regional operations with external fuel tanks. Its weapons suite includes AIM 120 AMRAAM air to air missiles, JDAM guided bombs, AGM 88 anti radiation missiles, and a wide range of U.S. standard munitions. This flexibility allows the F-16 Block 70 to perform multiple missions in a single sortie.
Designed with a 12,000 hour airframe life, the Block 70 ensures decades of operational use. It remains a key option for air forces modernizing legacy fleets while maintaining interoperability with the United States.
The F-16 Block 70 Viper Multirole Fighter Jet is typically priced between 65 and 70 million US dollars per unit, depending on configuration, weapons, training, and support packages included in the contract.
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