F16 fighter jet in action

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a supersonic multi-role fighter jet developed by General Dynamics (later acquired by Lockheed Martin), for the United States Air Force. This aircraft was originally designed as an air superiority fighter but the ability of the F-16 to be used in all kinds of missions is what made it very successful in the export market, and is used by 24 countries apart from the United States.[1] This aircraft is very popular in the eyes of the international community and has been used by 25 air forces around the world. The F-16 is the largest and most significant Western bloc fighter project, with around 4,000 F-16s produced since 1976. This aircraft is no longer produced for the United States Air Force, but is still being produced for export. In 1993 General Dynamics sold its aircraft manufacturing business to Lockheed Corporation, which in turn became part of Lockheed Martin following its merger with Martin Marietta in 1995. Type Fighter First flight February 2, 1975 Introduced August 17, 1978 Status Active Primary user United States of America other users 25 other countries Production amount More than 4,000 Unit price US$18.8 million (1998) Variant General Dynamics F-16XL Mitsubishi F-2