Lockheed Martin has confirmed that the Royal Moroccan Air Force’s (RMAF) first F 16 Block 72 aircraft had completed its maiden test flight.
On October 6, 2026, the US-defense firm said the first flight marked a “key milestone” as the aircraft “progresses through flight testing toward first delivery”.
Mike Shoemaker, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin’s Integrated Fighter Group, said the achievement represented a “critical step in strengthening Morocco’s future airpower”.
“The F‑16 remains a vital component of today’s and future air defense, and we’re proud of the role it will continue to play in supporting Morocco’s sovereignty and contributing to regional stability for decades to come,” Shoemaker said.
In March 2019, the US government approved a request from Morocco to purchase 25 F-16 Block 72 aircraft.
Currently the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces operate F‑16s, C‑130s, advanced radar systems, Black Hawks, and in the future will be receiving HIMARS with long range precision fires.
Lockheed Martin is also working with Morocco through partnerships such as Maintenance Aero Maroc.
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.