The F-16 Fighting Falcon, affectionately known as the “Viper,” holds the title of the world’s most widely used fixed-wing military aircraft, with 26 nations employing it in their air forces. This makes it comparable in ubiquity to the Soviet-era MiG-21 “Fishbed.” Among its numerous users, there are five nations that stand out for their significant acquisition of the F-16.
Leading the pack is the United States Air Force (and Navy), being the original and largest customer of the F-16. Produced initially by General Dynamics and now by Lockheed Martin, the USAF boasts the largest fleet of these fighter jets.
Following closely is the Turkish Air Force, representing the Middle East on the top five list. As a NATO member state and a significant regional power, Turkey’s inclusion is unsurprising.
The Israeli Air Force is another prominent user of the F-16, proudly representing the Jewish state alongside the F-35. Notably, Israel is one of the few countries on both the F-16 and F-35 top customer lists.
The Egyptian Air Force secures its spot on the list, reflecting the nation’s long-standing military partnership and regional influence in the Middle East.
Rounding out the top five is the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), representing East Asia. South Korea was an early adopter of the F-16, purchasing a significant number of aircraft in the 1980s.
These nations collectively account for a substantial portion of the global F-16 fleet, with South Korea recently signing a deal to upgrade its existing aircraft, highlighting the enduring relevance of this iconic fighter jet.
