Elbit Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries are co-operating on an upgrade package for elderly Lockheed Martin F-16As. Israel retired its “Netz” fighters earlier this year and is now looking to sell the 40-strong inventory, which would be extensively modernised by the partners. No details of the enhancements has been revealed, but the Israeli air force previously upgraded of its F-16C/Ds under the “Barak 2020” initiative.
The aircraft gained an avionics and mission system enhancement, as well as structural strengthening. Modifications will begin only when a customer has signed for the aircraft. The F-16As have been in Israeli service since 1980, but most recently have been employed as aggressor aircraft for training missions.
Source: flightglobal.com / Arie Egozi
