Turkey to start Modernizing its F-16s to Block 70 Standard this Year

Turkey will start modernizing its F-16 Block 40 & 50 aircraft to Block 70 standard this year with the addition of domestically-made AESA Radar, mission computer and avionics.

The domestically-made active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar called MURAD AESA is being developed by ASELSAN and is currently underground testing with flight tests planned for later this year.

In addition to the radar, a locally-made mission computer and avionics package is being developed which is expected to make the aircraft “equivalent” to the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70, which is the most current F-16 configuration, according Turkish publication, SavunmaSanayiST quoting official sources.

Turkish defense ministry said the F-16 Block 40 and F-16 Block 50 warplanes will be used until 2050 after their structural modernization.

The MURAD AESA radar is currently undergoing tests and will be delivered to the Turkish Air Force this year.