USA F16 end of the greatest fighter ever

[harpy1]

The Age of the F-16 Fighter Is Now Completely Over

The iconic F-16 Fighting Falcon has served the U.S. Air Force for decades, earning a stellar combat record. However, the advent of fifth-generation fighters like the F-35 and F-22 signals the end of the F-16's dominance.

nationalinterest.org

Interesting

Future air power
Fifth gen manned fighters
Drones
Hyper sonic missles both offensive and defensive
Energy weapons ..no idea what that is tbh

 

[KingQamaR]

Even at 40+ years old, the F16 is still the quintessential jet fighter - sleek, fast, agile, and even beautiful. Testament to the engineering Imagine jet fighter that come out almost 50 years ago still be able to get latest upgrade,

 

[harpy1]

The USA will use F16 block 70 until 2040/2045
Same with Super hornets and F15
But they will reduce in no's
Currently
USA air force has over 1000 F15/F16 and only 350 F35 by 2040 this numbers will reverse IE 1000 F35/Only 150 each F15 F16 block 70

 

[Pradotlc]

Indian airforce was it's last victim

 

[harpy1]

I do feel upgraded F16 with really thorough upgrade to aiframe and engines can be front line fighters even in 2040 for most countries. I suspect Turkey Israel and South Korea Taiwan will continue to use these amazing fighters in their latest versions until 2050...
But all these air powers mentioned will.uae Fifth generation accompanied fighters and drones
Ie Israel F35
Turkey kaan
S Korea F21
Not sure on Taiwan

 

[harpy1]

Indian airforce was it's last victim

It will.go on for decade or so yet witn USA and some smaller air forces more than decade

But the older F16s are cannon fodder going forward hence many NATO countries have gone for gripe Rafale and F35 recently

 

[KingQamaR]

F-16 is not out of date or obsolete.. Hardly so..5th generation avionics and computing power, along with carrying the same weapons used by F22 and F35. I'd say the Viper is as relevant as ever.. Still proving itself lethal and popular, going 40 yrs in service world wide. Pls correct us f22 retiring date 2030s? F35 is to costly for airforces to buy f16 will probably outlive f22 & F35s .

 

[Yommie]

F-15 is older and it's still being built. F-16 still have decades of life in it.