The two newest F-16 models, which incorporate some of the technologies and lessons learned from the F/A-22 and F-35 programs, are the Block 60 model for the United Arab Emirates and the advanced Block 50/52. Lockheed Martin officials say these models represent the state of the art in fourth-generation fighters. “We have essentially re-invented the F-16 three times,” Ralph Heath, VP for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, commented. There’s no way to make an F-16 into an F-35, though, because very low observeability has to be designed into an aircraft at the outset. If the F-16 could have been reworked to make it comparable to the F-35, “we would have,” he said.
President Donald Trump’s nominee for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff touted his highly unusual background for the job as an asset and reaffirmed his commitment to stay apolitical during a confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on April 1.