Lockheed Martin has delivered the first F-16 Block 70 for the Bulgarian Air Force, marking a major step forward in the country’s efforts to modernise its air force.
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 (VMFA-251) ‘Thunderbolts’ welcomed its first F-35C Lightning II (170501) to MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, on September 17.
In a major new first, Lt Col Mike Carty of the Royal Marines (RM) has become the new commander of the RAF’s F-35B Lightning II-equipped No 617 Squadron ‘The Dambusters’ at RAF Marham in Norfolk.
After the initial batch of second-hand F-16AM/BM Block 15MLU (Mid-Life Upgrade) Fighting Falcon fighters were delivered to the Ukrainian Air Force (UkrAF) in late July (see Vipers finally join Ukraine’s war effort, AFM, October 2024, p6-7) it is thought that at least one additional batch has been supplied by its Western supporters.
The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) has officially retired its fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons, ending 45 years of service for the aircraft in the force.