Potential Customers

Potential Customers

Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina - Federal Air Force

The 28 Pakistani AF F-16A/B aircraft stored at the AMARC could have possibly been donated to the Air Force of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a part of the US led 'Train & Equip' program. As Pakistan is already taking part in this program (training Bosnian Army Anti-tank missile teams), this is a solution that could satisfy both sides in this long dispute.

As of June 1998, the plans were in a stalemate, especially because the 'Train & Equip' program was suspended due to some confusion about the Federal Army insignia.

If the plans go ahead, the Air Force will build a new airbase to house the two squadrons of F-16s they hope to form in the beginning of the next century. If the Pakistani F-16s cannot be acquired, the Air Force will look for some other second-hand F-16A's, and hope that it has enough money to upgrade at least some of them to the MLU standard. (This modification is more or less necessary given the fact that neighboring states are fielding MiG-29s.)

The Air Force also considered purchasing stored Dutch F-16s, but as it would seem now, one squadron of ex-Dutch F-16A's will go to Slovenian Air Force (not confirmed).

The last years, nothing has been heard of a possible sale of F-16s to the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Pakistani F-16s have already been used by the USAF and US Navy, so this possibility is no longer an option. Surplus European or USAF F-16s are still available on the market.

Bulgaria - Bulgarski Voenno Vzdushni Sili

In the course of 2005 the Bulgarian government has been searching desperately for new fighter aircraft to replace their aging Mig-21/23 fleet. Both options of new and second-hand aircraft have been discussed. Lockheed-Martin has offered brandnew F-16C/D block 50's while informative talks with the Belgian government to purchase second-hand F-16's with the MLU upgrade also took place. No more information is available at this moment.

In 2019 the Bulgarian government ultimately signed a country for the delivery of 8 new-built F-16C/D block 70 fighters.Since the country is becoming a full Viper member a country profile will be forthcoming.

On 20 August 2021, the Bulgarian Defence Minister told in a parliamentary hearing that Bulgaria released a Letter of Request (LOR) for a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LoA) for a second batch of 8 F-16 block 70's. The request also included air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons packages, as well as logistics, training, and aircraft maintenance equipment.

Colombia - Fuerza Aérea Colombiana

In 2013 it became clear that Colombia was seaking an augmentation of its fighter fleet with the F-16C/D making a good chance to win that order with delivery of the airframes from 2015 onwards. The first batch would consist of 10 single-seaters and two dual-seaters. A second order would also be placed later on. These airframes were intended to take over the aerial defense role from the Kfirs that would be retasked to ground attack roles only. More info on this deal has to become available.

Ecuador - Fuerza Aérea Ecuatoriana

Ecuador hopes to procure up to 50 fighters to match Peru's recent purchase of MiG-29s from Belarus. Ecuadorian leaders have met with US officials to discuss the possible acquisition of Lockheed-Martin F-16s or Boeing F/A-18 aircraft. Because of the country's very poor financial condition it is very unlikely they will ever purchase an advanced fighter as the F-16, let alone a fleet of fifty.

India - Bharatiya Vayu Sena

In 2005 the Indian government started a tender for the acquisition of 126 multirole fighters. Information was requested about the Mig-29M2, F-16C/D, F/A-18, JAS-39 and Rafale. A decision hasn't been put forward up untill now but is expected somewhere in late 2006, early 2007.

Lockheed has already stated that if the $12 billion deal will come through, a majority of the aircraft will be build by the Indian state-owned HAL company. This would mean the Indians would become the 6th country where the viper will be build (after the US, Belgium, the Netherlands, Turkey and South Korea).

This fighter bid was put off several times, but finally in 2013 it became apparant that the Dassault Rafale had won the pledge.

Philippines - Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas

Washington offered to sell 26 F-16 fighter planes to the Philippines, which current inventory consists of about 15 1960's era F-5A/B Freedom Fighters. The only other combat aircraft are 18 Aermacchi S.211 trainer/light attack aircraft and 3 OV-10A Bronco COIN aircraft. The Philippines are looking to procure F-16s in order to bolster its claim over the Spratly Islands. Washington offered the F-16s which were originally purchased by Pakistan but then embargoed. However, due to the Asian currency crisis, the military expansion plan will probably not go ahead.

Saudi Arabia - Al Quwwat al Jawwiya as SA'udiya

In February 1997, Saudi Arabia announced it was considering an order of 70 to 100 F-16s to replace its aging fleet of F-5 aircraft. Total value of the order would be in the USD $5 billion to $6 billion range.

According to Prince Bandar Bin Sultan, the Saudi ambassador to the United States, who as a fighter pilot recently flew the F-16, no final decision has been made. Given the Saudi's tendency to link major military contracts to politics, this decision could well be delayed until 1999 or early 2000 to achieve maximum political impact in the next presidential elections in the US.

The Saudi's would also like to acquire the AIM-120 AMRAAM. Main interest of the Saudi's would be the proposed F-16 block 60.

Up to now, no further news about a possible sale of F-16s to the Middle East kingdom has been released. Due to the tense political situation between the US and Saudi Arabia at this moment an arms deal is not very likely to happen over the next few months.

Slovenia - Slovensko Vojasko Letalstvo

There is a slight chance that Slovenia will buy 10 to 12 F-16s in the not-too-distant future. Slovenia hosted four Aviano Block 40s on August 29th, 1997 (2 F-16C's and 2 F-16D's). During their stay, Slovenian AF pilots (among which the Commander-in-Chief) were invited for a backseat ride in one of the F-16D's. The visit was unofficial, and so far no formal announcements have been made.

As of mid-1998, it was possible that one squadron of ex-Dutch F-16A's would go to the Slovenian Air Force. Up to now no such transfer has come to pass.

Slovenia has also been offered the Kfir and the JAS-39 as alternatives.

Slovakia - Vzdušné Sily Ozbrojených Síl Slovenskej Republiky

One of the smallest countries in Europe is set to become the latest country to buy the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Slovakia will soon operate the F-16V, or Block 70.

The nation spent much of the 20th century as part of Czechoslovakia, a Warsaw Pact state allied with the USSR. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, Warsaw Pact, and Soviet Union, the country split into two new countries, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The latter suddenly inherited a pile of aging Cold War tech, took possession of 12 MiG-29 fighters, and started its own air force.

But MiG fighters are old and can’t be easily integrated into NATO’s defense architecture, so Slovakia went shopping for new jets. The small country needed a small, single-engine fighter, which left them with the choice of the Swedish Gripen and the American F-16. The F-16 has now won the competition, and defense contractor Lockheed Martin will supply 14 F-16Vs by 2023.