FARNSBOROUGH, England, July 21 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin is touting its upgraded F-16 fighter at the Farnborough International Airshow as the most advanced fourth-generation multirole fighter.
"The F-16 continues as a modern, highly capable, affordable and supportable fighter," Bill McHenry, director of business development for F-16 programs, said. "The program is healthy and active, with firm production through 2013 and a strong likelihood of new orders that will extend the line for several more years."
McHenry said there is a firm backlog of 86 F-16 aircraft, including a recent order from Egypt for 20 new, Advanced Block 50/52 aircraft, the sixth follow-on buy for Egypt, DefenseNews reported.
Lockheed Martin said it also continues to develop the F-16 for the future by integrating advanced technologies through upgrade programs for existing F-16s to ensure interoperability with fifth-generation fighters such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.
Aircraft now being produced by the company for Turkey, Pakistan, Morocco and Egypt are the Advanced Block 50/52 F-16C/D configuration.
McHenry said latest versions of the aircraft include the latest in avionics, sensors and weapons.
