The F-16 continues to deliver security through air power. Continued orders and the infusion of advanced technologies keep the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon the multirole fighter of choice for nations worldwide. Lockheed Martin is highlighting the stellar performance, advanced capabilities and superior benefits of the F-16 this week at the Farnborough International Air Show.

"The F-16 is known as the world's most capable, supportable, affordable, interoperable and proven multirole fighter available today," said June Shrewsbury, Lockheed Martin vice president for F-16 programs. "The program continues to evolve to meet the growing demands of our customers, and each new variant integrates the latest technologies making it viable for many years to come."

Currently, the company is delivering two advanced versions of the F-16 and has firm deliveries scheduled through 2009. "We also see the potential for hundreds of additional F-16 sales over the next few years," said Shrewsbury. "The F-16 has a bright future and continues to provide great value and capability to our customers."

Most recently -- in April -- Lockheed Martin achieved a significant production milestone with the delivery of its 4,300th F-16 aircraft that is now in service for Oman, which purchased 12 Advanced Block 50 F-16s in the Peace A'sama A'safiyah (Clear Skies) Program. Clear Skies is a U.S. Government Foreign Military Sales program. The Omani F-16s are just one of six F-16 aircraft programs now in production at the Fort Worth facility. Lockheed Martin is currently producing F-16 aircraft for Chile, Israel, Oman, Poland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Greece has also recently placed an order for 30 F-16 aircraft planned for delivery in 2009.

"Our company and its employees take great pride in producing an aircraft that is critical to the national security of the United States and its allies," said Shrewsbury. "The delivery of aircraft 4,300 in April is an unprecedented achievement in multirole fighter aircraft production history and a true testament to the advancements Lockheed Martin has integrated into the aircraft to keep this fighter on the forefront of technology and capability."

Aircraft now being produced for Chile, Oman, Poland, Israel and Greece are the Advanced Block 50/52 F-16C single-seat configuration and the F-16D two- seat configuration. The UAE was the launch customer for the Block 60 F-16 version, which is also produced in single-seat (F-16E) and two-seat (F-16F) configurations. Known as Desert Falcon, the Block 60 aircraft is the latest and most advanced version of the F-16.

Shrewsbury said Lockheed Martin is equally committed to the modification and sustainment of the worldwide F-16 fleet over its service life. "The F-16 has a proven worldwide support infrastructure that includes a logistics network operating from air bases around the world. With its robust sustainment and upgrade options, the F-16 will be in service for at least 40 more years, making it supportable, reliable and cost effective."

In addition to sharing technologies with the F-22 and F-35, the world's only 5TH Generation Fighters(TM), the F-16 offers a variety of solutions to meet customers' economic, technical and industrial needs with an unrivaled record in meeting and exceeding customer commitments.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 135,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2005 sales of $37.2 billion.

For additional information, visit our Website:

http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company