By Maya Carlin, Analyst, Center for Security Policy The Indonesian Defense Ministry in February purchased $22 billion worth of Western fighter jets. Among the powerful platforms soon to be acquired by the Indonesian air force is the newest variant of the American-made F-16 [https://warriormaven.com/russia-ukraine/ukraines-f-16s-vs-russias-su-27-mig-29-su-35]airframe — Block 72. This newer model of the F-16 [https://warriormaven.com/china/chinese-j-10-vs-us-air-force-f-16] Fighting Falcon airframe incorporates many fifth-generation elements that also adorn the F-22 [https://warriormaven.com/sea/the-f-14-tomcat-has-f-22-speed-was-it-retired-too-early]Raptor and F-35 [https://warriormaven.com/global-security/the-top-10-fighter-jets-in-the-world-f35-f22-j20-su57-fa18-eurofighter-typhoon-f15-su35]Lightning II, making this variant a 4.5-generation platform. Since entering service in the late 1970s, the F-16 has earned a steady reputation as a formidable fighter, and it continues to fly with dozens of nations across the globe. Additionally, the Fighting Falcon’s extensive combat experience makes it an appealing, cost-friendly alternative for client states. Indonesia’s purchase of the Block 72 variant will likely be emulated by other nations – and that’s a smart move for many clear reasons. F-16: HOW THE FIGHTING FALCON RULES THE SKIES Developed by General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin), the F-16 fighter was designed to achieve air superiority. A fighter tactics instructor in the Korean War collaborated with a mathematician to create an airframe with elevated combat potential. The energy-maneuverability equation that emerged from their efforts guided the development of the F-16 [https://www.19fortyfive.com/2023/01/the-block-70-f-16-fighting-falcon-looks-like-a-killer/]. The Falcon’s smaller frame and increased thrust-to-weight ratio greatly improved air-to-air training for pilots. Since the fighter is all-weather capable, it can effectively strike targets during non-visual bombing conditions. Air War 2050: 5th & 6th Gen Stealth Fighter Attacks to Continue Video Above: Air War 2050: 5th & 6th Gen Stealth Fighter Attacks to Continue Perhaps the most significant perk lending to the Falcon’s export success is the fighter’s inexpensive makeup. The energy-maneuverability equation that emerged from their efforts guided the development of the F-16 [https://warriormaven.com/air/f-35-f-16]. The Falcon’s smaller frame and increased thrust-to-weight ratio greatly improved air-to-air training for pilots. Since the fighter is all-weather capable, it can effectively strike targets during non-visual bombing conditions. Perhaps the most significant perk lending to the Falcon’s export success is the fighter’s inexpensive makeup. F-16 BLOCK 70/72: WHAT SETS APART? The Block 70 and Block 72 variants of the F-16 airframe feature the same capabilities and are only differentiated by their engine. Block 70 variants [https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/behold-the-first-f-16-viper-built-in-south-carolina] sport the General Electric F110, while the Block 72 models are powered by the Pratt & Whitney F100 engine. Both models feature an advanced upgrade package that includes the AN/APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar, a modernized cockpit with new safety elements, conformal fuel tanks, and advanced weapons. The 70/72 Block variants also have a prolonged service life of 12,000 hours, which is roughly 50% more than its predecessors. The APG-83 AESA radar [https://eurasiantimes.com/guess-whos-back-lockheed-rolls-out-brand-new-f-16-block-70-72/]included with the Block 70/72 upgrades leverages hardware and software commonality with the F-22 and F-35 fifth-generation fighters. According to The Defense Post [https://www.thedefensepost.com/2022/11/24/lockheed-f16-block-70-72/], “the radar is linked with a new active and passive internal electronic warfare system (Viper Shield), incorporating a new digital radar warning receiver.” Since its introduction, at least five nations have opted to procure the F-16 Block 70/72 in the near future. Bahrain is set to receive 16 Block 70 jets, and Bulgaria and Jordan also have placed orders. Indonesia’s air force [https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/f-16/three-reasons-the-f-16-block-72-is-the-ideal-bridge-to-fifth-generation-capabilities.html] has an existing fleet of F-16 fighters, making the Ministry’s recent announcement to procure the newer Block 72 airframes a no-brainer. Maya Carlin [https://centerforsecuritypolicy.org/author/maya-carlin/] is a Middle East Defense Editor with 19FortyFive. She is also an analyst with the Center for Security Policy and a former Anna Sobol Levy Fellow at IDC Herzliya in Israel. She has by-lines in many publications, including The National Interest, Jerusalem Post, and Times of Israel. From 19FortyFive
