UAE in talks to upgrade F16 fleet?

abu dhabi — A top aerospace and advanced technologies company official said they are working on a supportability upgrade with the UAE Air Force to ensure the viability of its F-16 Desert Falcon fleet. This was announced by Rick Groesch, director of business development, Lockheed Martin, at a media briefing on the sidelines of the third day of the International Defence Exposition and Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

Groesch told Khaleej Times: “Back in 2000, the UAE Air Force ordered a total of 80 Block 60 F-16 jets. (These) are by far the most advanced fourth-generation fighter planes in the world.”

“The Block 60 F-16s have unique capabilities, designed specifically for the UAE and we are proud to say that they have been using these for defence in various conflict areas in the region,” added Groesh, who is a former F-16 pilot

Situation changes; threats changes.. So we have to modify the aircraft so we can have the best generation fighter plane in the world Rick Groesch

for almost two decades. “(But) situation changes; threats changes,” Groesh continued. “So we have to modify the aircraft so we can have the best generation fighter plane in the world. We are in the advanced stages of talking about the supportability upgrade right now.”