Article Posted on : - May 08, 2014

Iraqi Air Force F-16 . A Lockheed Martin photo by Liz Kaszynski

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (BNS): Lockheed Martin has successfully completed the first flight of the inaugural F-16 Fighting Falcon for the Iraq Air Force.

The jet is the first of 36 F-16 Block 52 aircraft on order through the U S Department of Defence for Iraq, the Company said.

Lockheed Martin's F-16 production line is expected to continue through 2017, with major upgrades being incorporated for all F-16 versions.

With more than 4,540 F-16s delivered to date, the Foreign Military Sale to Iraq adds to the F-16's reputation as the world's most versatile and affordable 4th generation multi-role fighter.