

| Name | F-16V Viper |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Type / Role | Multirole Fighter |
| Generation | 4.5 |
| Status | In Service |
| First Flight | 2015 |
| Introduction / In Service Since | 2018 |
| Number Built | Over 4,600 (all F-16 variants) |
| Operators | USA, Taiwan, Greece, Singapore, Bahrain, Slovakia, etc. |
| Length | 49.5 ft (15.06 m) |
| Wingspan | 32.8 ft (10.0 m) |
| Height | 16.7 ft (5.09 m) |
| Wing Area | 300 sq ft (27.87 m²) |
| Empty Weight | 20,300 lb (9,207 kg) |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) | 48,000 lb (21,772 kg) |
| Internal Weapons Bay | None |
| External Hardpoints | 9 |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 2.0 (1,500 mph / 2,414 km/h) |
| Range | 2,622 mi (4,220 km) with drop tanks |
| Combat Radius | 340 mi (550 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 50,000+ ft (15,240 m) |
| Rate of Climb | 50,000 ft/min |
| Thrust-to-Weight Ratio | 1.095 |
| G Limits | 1.095 |
| Engine Type | Pratt & Whitney F100 or GE F110 |
| No. of Engines | 1 |
| Thrust (each) | 29,000 lbf (129 kN) |
| Thrust Vectoring | No |
| Fuel Capacity | 7,000 lb internal |
| Gun | 1× 20mm M61A1 Vulcan cannon |
| Missiles (Air-to-Air) | AIM-9X, AIM-120 AMRAAM |
| Missiles (Air-to-Ground) | AGM-65, AGM-84, AGM-88 |
| Bombs | JDAM, Paveway, Mk 82/84 |
| Hardpoints | 9 |
| Payload Capacity | 17,000 lb (7,700 kg) |
| Radar | AN/APG-83 SABR AESA |
| Radar Range | 160+ km |
| Electronic Warfare (EW) System | AN/ALQ-213 suite |
| Targeting System | Sniper XR / LANTIRN |
| Helmet Display | JHMCS II |
| Navigation | GPS/INS |
| Autopilot / AI Assistance | Digital flight control system |
| Communication | Link-16, secure UHF/VHF |
| Radar Cross Section (RCS) | ~1.2 m² |
| Stealth Features | Reduced radar signature coatings |
| Infrared Signature Reduction | Partial |
| Sensor Fusion | Advanced mission computer |
| Networking Capabilities | Full NATO interoperability |
| Special Export Versions | F-16V (Taiwan, Bahrain, Slovakia) |
| Major Conflicts / Deployments | Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan |
| Notable Operators | USAF, Taiwan, Israel, Greece |
| Combat Proven? | Yes |
| Mission Types | Air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance |
| Unit Cost | $60–70 million |
| Development Cost | Classified |
| Program Name | F-16V Upgrade / Viper Program |
| Funding Countries | United States, export partners |
| Upgrades Planned | Enhanced data links, cockpit upgrades |
| Future Replacement | F-35 Lightning II |
| Export Restrictions | Subject to U.S. ITAR |
| Notable Achievements | Most widely exported Western fighter |
| Competitors | JAS 39 Gripen, Rafale, MiG-35 |
The F-16V Viper Fighter Jet represents the most advanced and capable variant of the legendary F-16 Fighting Falcon family, developed by Lockheed Martin. Designed to extend the operational life of the world’s most prolific fourth-generation fighter, the F-16V incorporates cutting-edge avionics, an advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, and improved mission systems to meet the challenges of 21st-century air combat.
Equipped with the AN/APG-83 SABR radar, the Viper offers superior target detection and tracking, enhanced situational awareness, and compatibility with modern precision-guided munitions. Its upgraded mission computer, digital flight control system, and glass cockpit provide pilots with an F-35-style interface while retaining the agility and cost-effectiveness of the original F-16 design.
Powered by a single Pratt & Whitney F100 or General Electric F110 engine, the F-16V reaches speeds over Mach 2.0 and a service ceiling above 50,000 feet. The aircraft supports both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions with an extensive range of weapons, including AIM-120 AMRAAM, JDAM, and Harpoon missiles.
With continuous modernization programs and proven combat experience across 25+ nations, the F-16V remains a reliable multirole fighter—bridging the gap between fourth- and fifth-generation platforms for U.S. allies worldwide.
The F-16V Viper’s estimated unit cost ranges from $60 million to $70 million, depending on configuration, weapons integration, and avionics suite. The aircraft is offered for both new builds and mid-life upgrade programs, making it a cost-efficient alternative to fifth-generation fighters like the F-35.
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