Jordan signs LOA for F-16 Block 70s

Having been approved for 16 F-16 Block 70s earlier in 2022, Jordan has now signed an LOA for eight. It is likely that these are a first batch, with another eight to follow. (Lockheed Martin)

Jordan is to join the international F-16 Block 70/72 programme, with manufacturer Lockheed Martin announcing on 16 June that the country has signed a letter of acceptance (LOA) for the aircraft.

According to the announcement, the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) is to receive eight Block 70 aircraft (powered by the General Electric F100-GE-129D engine rather than the Pratt & Whitney F100-PW229EEP engine of the Block 72) to be built at Greenville in South Carolina.

“The selection of new-production F-16 aircraft extends Jordan's existing fleet of F-16s, bringing advanced capabilities to the mission combined with affordable operating and life-cycle costs,” Lockheed Martin said.

No details pertaining to contract values or delivery timelines were disclosed.

The signing of the LOA came about four-and-a-half months after the US Department of State approved the sale of 12 single-seat F-16C Block 70 and four twin-seat F-16D Block 70 aircraft to Jordan. It is likely that the eight announced in the current LOA are a first batch, with eight more to follow at a later date.

The F-16 is the core of Jordan's combat aviation capabilities, having received its first second-hand aircraft from the United States in 1997. As noted by Janes World Air Forces