{"id":7078525,"date":"2026-10-06T20:30:24","date_gmt":"2026-10-06T20:30:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7078525"},"modified":"2026-10-06T20:30:24","modified_gmt":"2026-10-06T20:30:24","slug":"moroccos-first-f-16-block-72-completed-maiden-test-flight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7078525","title":{"rendered":"Morocco\u2019s first F 16 Block 72 completed maiden test flight"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Lockheed Martin has confirmed that the Royal Moroccan Air Force\u2019s (RMAF) first F 16 Block 72 aircraft had completed its maiden test flight.<\/p>\n

On October 6, 2026, the US-defense firm said the first flight marked a \u201ckey milestone\u201d as the aircraft \u201cprogresses through flight testing toward first delivery\u201d.<\/p>\n

Mike Shoemaker, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin\u2019s<\/a> Integrated Fighter Group, said the achievement represented a \u201ccritical step in strengthening Morocco\u2019s future airpower\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe F\u201116 remains a vital component of today\u2019s and future air defense, and we\u2019re proud of the role it will continue to play in supporting Morocco\u2019s sovereignty and contributing to regional stability for decades to come,\u201d Shoemaker said.<\/p>\n

In March 2019, the US government approved a request<\/a> from Morocco to purchase 25 F-16 Block 72 aircraft.<\/p>\n

Currently the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces operate F\u201116s, C\u2011130s, advanced radar systems, Black Hawks, and in the future will be receiving HIMARS with long range precision fires.<\/p>\n

Lockheed Martin is also working with Morocco through partnerships such as Maintenance Aero Maroc.<\/p>\n

The upcoming 8,000 square meter Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Benslimane, is designed to support heavy maintenance and modernization of C-130 Hercules aircraft, with plans to expand to platforms including the F-16.<\/p>\n