General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon operational history

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The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon (in later years manufactured and marketed as Lockheed Martin F-16) has served the United States and the air arms of 25 other nations. Over 4,400 F-16s have been sold.[1]

United States

The F-16 is in service with

U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, and as an adversary/aggressor aircraft by the United States Navy.[2]

Operation Desert Storm (1991)

McChord AFB
, Washington.
Remains of F-16C #87-0257 from the 614th Tactical Fighter Squadron 'Lucky Devils', shot down over Iraq during Operation Desert Storm.
Main article:
Operation Desert Storm

In

SA-16 missile.[5] Other F-16s were damaged in accidents and by hostile ground fire but were able to return to base and be repaired.[6][7] In all, seven F-16 were lost during Desert Storm combat operations between January 16 and February 28.[8][9][10]

F-16s formed the basis of the largest strike package (72 aircraft) flown during the war –

"Package Q", a daylight raid against targets in downtown Baghdad on 19 January. It was during the "Package Q" mission that two F-16s, from 614th TFS 'Lucky Devils', part of the 401st TFW (P), flying from Doha, Qatar were lost to SAMs with their pilots (Capt Mike "Cujo" Roberts and Maj 'Tico' Tice downed, respectively, by a SA-2 and SA-3) becoming POWs.[11] This mission also marked the largest single operational F-16 strike package flown to date.[12]

F-16s were used also as Wild Weasel shooters, with

A-10 Thunderbolt's GAU-8 Avenger, but this proved a failure owing to excess vibration and inadequate gunsights.[14][15]

Interwar Air Operations over Iraq (1991–2003)

Main articles:
Operation Desert Fox

From the end of Desert Storm until the invasion of Iraq in 2003, USAF F-16s patrolled the US/UK imposed

MiG-23 with an AMRAAM missile for the second USAF F-16 victory.[18]

F-16s returned to Iraq in December 1998 as part of the

Operation Desert Fox bombing campaign to "degrade" Iraq's ability to manufacture and use weapons of mass destruction.[19]

Balkans (1994–1995 and 1999)

Main articles:
Operation Allied Force
Tail and canopy of F-16CG in Belgrade Aviation Museum, Serbia

F-16s were also employed by NATO during Bosnian peacekeeping operations in 1994–95 in ground-attack missions and enforcing the no-fly-zone over Bosnia (

CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter on 8 June.[22]

NATO F-16s also participated in air strikes against Serbian forces in

Yugoslavia from March–June 1999.[23]

On 2 May 1999, a USAF F-16CG was shot down over Serbia. It was downed by an

Belgrade International Airport
.

On 4 May 1999, a lone Yugoslav Mig-29 flown by Lt. Col.

Strela 2
M fired by the Yugoslav army in error.

Operations in Afghanistan (2001–2021)

Main article: War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)

F-16s have been used by the United States in Afghanistan since 2001. One USAF

Parwan province killing its pilot.[28]
In 2002, a tri-national detachment known as the European Participating Air Forces (
Manas Air Base
was returned to Kyrgyzstan control in 2014.

Invasion of Iraq and post-war operations (2003–2016)

Main article: 2003 invasion of Iraq
See also: List of aviation shootdowns and accidents during the Iraq War

US F-16s participated in the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and the only loss suffered over Iraq during this phase was an F-16CG of the 388th Fighter Wing's 421st Fighter Squadron that crashed near Baghdad on 12 June 2003 when it ran out of fuel.[29]

A US Army

Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi, the leader of Al-Qaeda in Iraq.[31] On November 27, 2006 one F-16 was lost near Falluja during a close air support strafing run when the pilot remained focused on the target instead of pulling up.[32]
On 15 June 2007, an F-16C crashed when the pilot lost spatial orientation during a night close air support mission. The pilot was killed in the crash. On 15 July 2007, another F-16C crashed and burned out during takeoff when a tire blew. The pilot ejected safely.[33]

On 25 February 2009, a USAF F-16 shot down an Iranian Ababil-3 UAV after it entered in Iraqi airspace.[34]

In September 2010, USAF F-16s dropped two bombs providing close air support for an Iraqi Army unit that was overwhelmed by armed insurgents. This was the first air raid in Iraq since July 2009.[35]

Libya 2011

USAF F-16s participated in the enforcement of no-fly zone over Libya as part of Operation Odyssey Dawn.

Israel

F-16A Netz 107 with 6.5 killing marks of other aircraft and one killing mark of Iraqi nuclear reactor, a world record for an F-16[36]

Bekaa Valley and Osiraq raid (1981)

Main articles: Lebanese Civil War and Operation Opera

The F-16's first air-to-air combat success was achieved by the

Bekaa Valley on 28 April 1981, against a Syrian Mi-8 helicopter, which was downed with cannon fire following an unsuccessful attempt with an AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile (AAM).[37] Several months later, on 14 July 1981, the IAF achieved the first F-16 "kill" of another fighter with a successful AAM shoot-down of a Syrian MiG-21.[38]

On 7 June 1981, eight Israeli F-16s, escorted by F-15s, executed

nuclear weapons.[39]

Operation Peace for Galilee (1982)

Main articles:
Operation Peace for Galilee and Operation Mole Cricket 19

The following year, during

MiG-23s, while suffering no air-to-air losses of their own.[37][40] F-16s were also used in their ground-attack role for strikes against targets in Lebanon
.

Soviet/Russian sources state the Syrians lost six MiG-23MFs, four MiG-23MSs and fourteen MiG-23BNs in the

Bekaa Valley

Second Lebanon War (2006)

Main article: 2006 Lebanon War
Israeli Air Force F-16I with CFTs and dorsal spine

Python-5 missiles.[43]

Gaza War (2008–2009)

Main article:
Gaza War (2008-09)

Israeli Defence Force F-16s were used in attacks in the Gaza strip in December 2008. The attacks hit at least 100 security compounds and rocket-launching bases and killed at least 225 people, including civilians and 140 members of Hamas security forces.[44] No F-16s were lost.

2009–present

F-16I Sufa escorting a new F-35I Adir
stealth multi-role fighter.

The IAF lost one F-16I during a training mission in November 2010 with the loss of its crew.[45]

On 16 December 2010, an Israeli F-16I shot down an unmanned "balloon" that had violated restricted airspace over Israel's Negev Nuclear Research Centre. It is widely believed that this center is where Israel's arsenal of nuclear weapons is produced.[46]

On 6 October 2012, an Israeli F-16I, serial 844, shot down an unmanned aerial vehicle over southern Israel using two Python-5 missiles, the first one missing the target.[47]

On 25 April 2013, an Israeli F-16C shot down an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from Lebanon over the sea off Haifa, in northern Israel using a Python-5 missile.[48][49]

In September 2016[50] and February 2017[51] IAF F-16 fighters shot down Hamas drones (UAVs) near the Gaza Strip.

During the 2010s Israeli upgraded all of its Barak 1 (F-16C/D) and Barak 2 (F-16CG/DG) fleet to "Barak 2020" configuration, an MLU which gives them Sufa-grade avionics. In 2015 the Netz fighters (F-16A/B) were retired from service, with F-16 Netz 107 being put on display in the Israeli Air Force Museum. On 10 February 2018, an Israeli Air Force F-16I was shot down and crashed in northern Israel when it was hit by a Syrian Air Defense Force S-200 surface-to-air missile. Both pilots ejected and safely landed in Israeli territory. The F-16I was part of a bombing mission against Syrian and Iranian targets around Damascus after an Iranian drone reportedly entered Israeli air space and was shot down.[52]

Gaza War (2021)

Main article: 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis

Israeli Air Force F-16's were heavily involved in the strikes against Hamas infrastructure and tactical units in Gaza during the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis.[53][54] On 13 May 2021, an Israeli F-16 shot down a Hamas operated Shehab suicide drone with a Python-5 air to air missile.[55][56]

Egypt

On 16 February 2015, Egyptian F-16s performed air strikes on jihadi weapons caches and training camps in Libya in response to the murders of 21 Egyptian workers by masked militants affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL). The air strikes killed 64 ISIS fighters, including three leaders in Derna and Sirte on the coast.[57]

The Netherlands

Yugoslavia (1994–1995, 1999)

F-16s were employed by NATO during Bosnian peacekeeping operations in 1994–95 in ground-attack missions and enforcing the no-fly-zone over Bosnia (Operation Deny Flight).

NATO F-16s also participated in air strikes against Serbian forces in

Yugoslavia from March–June 1999. During Allied Force, Dutch F-16 J-063 flown by Major Peter Tankink shot down one Yugoslavian MiG-29, with an AMRAAM, flown by Lt. Colonel Predrag Milutinovic (callsign "Grof") . He ejected safely.[58][59] This marked the first air-to-air kill made by a Dutch fighter since WW2.[60]

Operations in Afghanistan (2001–14)

Main article:
War in Afghanistan (2001–14)
An F-16 of the Royal Netherlands Air Force over Afghanistan

After April 2005, eight

camel spider and other creatures had recently been found in the cockpits of Dutch aircraft in Afghanistan.[63][64]

Libya 2011

Six Dutch F-16s operating from Italian base in the framework of Operation Odyssey Dawn.

Iraq and Syria, 2014–2016

Six F-16s and two reserve from the RNLAF are participating in the

allied bombing actions against ISIL in Iraq, and since early 2016 also participate in raids in Syria.[65]

The Netherlands air defence

Multiple times a year Dutch F-16s tasked with the defence of Dutch airspace as well as international airspace under Dutch protection intercept Russian Tu-95 (NATO Name:"Bear") bombers. They will be intercepted and escorted out of Dutch controlled airspace.[66][67]

Belgium

Balkans

Just before the Kosovo war started in March 1999, the first MLU aircraft were sent over to Italy. During that war, twelve F-16s of 349 sqn dropped live GBU-12 weapons. At that time the fighters were based at Amendola AFB in the south of Italy. After the conflict the number of F-16s decreased until the last F-16 returned home in 2001.

Libya 2011

Six Belgian F-16 participated in missions in Libya in order to enforce the no fly-zone.

Afghanistan

From July 2005 to January 2006 4 Belgian F-16s formed a DATF agreement unit with 4 Dutch F-16s in Afghanistan. From 2008 onwards Belgian air force provided flights of 4 to 6 F-16s.

Iraq and Syria

From October 2014 to June 2021 : various periods, alternating with the Dutch Airforce. Four F-16s are participating in the allied bombing actions against ISIL in Iraq and in raids in Syria Operation Inherent Resolve. The F-16 are based in Jordan.

Baltic States

Baltic Air Policing : Four F16 for four months (8 periods between 2004 and 2022).

Denmark

Kosovo (1999–2000)

Main article:
1999 NATO bombing of Yugoslavia

Six Danish F16s, later extended to nine, flew air defence and escort missions over Kosovo along with the Norwegian Air Force F16s. During the final phases of the campaign, the fighters also took part in several offensive missions targeting Yugoslav radar installations, fuel depots and command centers.[68]

Afghanistan (2001–2003)

Main article:
War in Afghanistan (2001–present)

Six Danish F-16s flew 743 missions over Afghanistan from

Enduring Freedom, as part of the European Participating Air Forces group along with Norway and the Netherlands, the missions included several weapon deliveries against various Taliban and Al Qaeda targets.[68]

Libya 2011

Six Danish F-16 fighters performed high-risk missions over Libya in order to enforce the no-fly zone.[citation needed]

Norway

The F-16 is no longer in operational service in the Norwegian Air Force. It has been replaced by the F-35.

Bosnia 1993–1995

Norwegian F-16s took part in Operation Deny Flight.

Afghanistan – Enduring Freedom

In October 2002, a tri-national force of 18 Norwegian,

Manas Air Base in Kyrgyzstan, to support the NATO ground forces in Afghanistan as a part of the Operation Enduring Freedom. One of the missions was Operation Desert Lion.[69]

Afghanistan 2006

In support of ISAF – 4 Norwegian F-16s.

Libya 2011

Six Norwegian F-16 fighters participated in missions over Libya in order to enforce the no-fly zone. During these missions, the Norwegian F-16s dropped some 600 bombs on targets in Libya, including the residence of Gaddafi.[70]

Pakistan

Incidents during the Soviet–Afghan War (1986–1988)

Main article: Soviet–Afghan War

During the Soviet–Afghan War, between May 1986 and January 1989, Pakistan Air Force F-16s shot down at least 10 intruders from Afghanistan. Four of the kills were Afghan Su-22s bombers, three were Afghan transports (two An-26s and one An-24), and one was a Soviet Su-25 bomber. Most of these kills were achieved using the AIM-9 Sidewinder, but a Su-22 was destroyed by cannon fire and the one An-24 crash landed after being forced to land upon interception.[citation needed] Afghanistan claimed to have shot down one Pakistani F-16A during an encounter on 29 April 1987; the pilot ejected safely and landed in Pakistani territory. Pakistani authorities admitted to having lost a fighter jet to enemy fighters, but suggested that it may have been either an F-16 or an F-6 and insisted it was attacked over Pakistani territory.[71] Subsequently, Pakistani officials confirmed that the loss was an F-16 in 1987, but asserted it was accidentally shot down in a friendly fire incident during a dogfight with enemy aircraft over Pakistani territory. According to this claim, Flight Lieutenant Shahid Sikandar Khan's F-16 was hit by an AIM-9 missile fired by another F-16 piloted by Squadron Leader Amjad Javed.[72]

Kargil War (1999)

Main article: Kargil War

Although F-16As of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) did not see combat in the

precision guided munitions. According to Indian sources, IAF MiG-29s of 47 (Black Archers) Squadron tracked two PAF F-16As close to Indian air space with their radars, The MiG-29's with long-range BVR's were able to Lock the Pakistani F-16's while the Pakistani F-16s lacked BVR capability. However Indian Mig-29's decided not to attack as they were ordered because no official declaration of war had been issued.[73] Pakistani sources state that the number of border violations by Indian aircraft dropped noticeably when F-16s were on patrol and that there were several cases of PAF F-16s and IAF Mirage 2000s tracking each other with their radars, but again no combat took place.[74]

Operations in North-West Pakistan (May 2009–present)

Main article:
War in North-West Pakistan

The

Swat Valley as of 29 July 2009. Prior to the operations in the Swat Valley, approximately 10 of the PAF's F-16s were fitted with high-resolution infra-red sensors for reconnaissance purposes, supplied by the United States, to provide the Pakistani military with detailed imagery of the area.[75]

Lockheed Martin had indicated back in May 2007 that it would be supplying Pakistan with 18 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP) with deliveries starting in 2008.[76]

2019 Pakistan-India Standoff

Main articles:
Operation Swift Retort

On 27 February 2019, Pakistan Air Force officials stated that they had shot down two Indian Air Force aircraft (one Mig-21 and one Su-30MKI) after they intruded into the Pakistani airspace.[77][78] Indian officials initially denied that any of Indian Air Force (IAF) jets were shot down. They also claimed that all IAF pilots were accounted for and denied that any IAF pilot was captured by the Pakistani security forces.[79][80] However, later on Indian officials acknowledged that 1 IAF Mig-21 was shot down and its pilot was captured by Pakistani security forces. They, however, rejected shooting down of Su-30MKIs by PAF jets and also claimed to have shot down one PAF F-16 jet.[81][82][83][84] However, Pakistani officials rejected Indian claims of shooting down of one F-16 belonging to Pakistan Air Force. Pakistani officials stated that "in this day and age it is impossible to hide downing of an aircraft".[85] Initially, Pakistani officials also claimed to have captured two Indian Air Force pilots but later corrected their statement and stated that only one IAF pilot was in their custody.[86] Pakistani officials stated that it was the fog of war which led them to believe that there were two IAF pilots in their custody.[87] Pakistan also denied the use of F-16s in the operation, stating that JF-17s were used instead.[88][89] The Indian Air Force presented a part of an AIM-120 AMRAAM to prove the use of F-16s by Pakistan Air Force in the operation.[90] Indian media also attempted to show proof of shooting down of F-16 by displaying pictures of wreckage of IAF Mig-21 (which was shot down in Pakistan on 27 February) and claiming that it was the wreckage of F-16. However, this was rebutted by Bellingcat, an open source UK based investigative journalism network, which confirmed it as the wreckage of a MiG-21.[91]

According to

Washington Post reported that like Pentagon, the State Department has not issued a public statement on the F-16 count. However, there have been no counter-leaks contradicting the report published by the Foreign Policy.[94] Local people on the ground have also rejected Indian claims of shooting down a PAF F-16.[95][96] On 8 April 2019, the IAF released two radar images of aerial engagement to reassert its claims of downing an F-16.[97][98] However, Pakistani officials rejected the radar images released by India.[99] The only confirmed loss from the engagement was the MiG-21.[98][100]

Turkey

The Turkish Air Force acquired its first F-16s in 1987. 196 F-16C and 44 F-16D fighters were in service with the Turkish Air Force as of January 2012.[101] Turkish F-16s also participated in the 2006 Baltic Aviation Police Mission in 2006.

NATO Operations Over Bosnia and Kosovo

Turkish Air Force F-16 units participated in the

Bosnia Herzegovina and Kosovo by deploying one of its squadrons to Ghedi Air Base, Italy from 1993 and to Aviano Air Base from May 2000 in support of United Nations resolutions. The units completed 35,647 flight hours and 10,626 sorties without incident.[102]

Aegean dispute with Greece

See also:
Greco-Turkish relations and Aegean dispute

On 8 October 1996, 7 months after the escalation over

R550 Magic missile and shot down a Turkish F-16D. The Greek government claimed that the Turkish aircraft had violated Greek airspace, however, the Turkish government claimed that it had been on a training mission north of the Greek island of Samos, close to the Turkish mainland. The Turkish pilot died, while the co-pilot ejected and was rescued by Greek forces.[103][104] Although the Turkish government has admitted the loss, the Greek government officially denies that the shootdown occurred.[105] The loss was confirmed in 2012, after the downing of a RF-4E on the Syrian Coast. In response to a parliamentary question, Turkish Defence Minister İsmet Yılmaz stated that Turkish F-16D Block40 (s/n 91-0023) of 192 Filo was shot down by a Greek Mirage 2000 with a R.550 Magic II missile on 8 October 1996 after violating Greek airspace near Chios island.[106]

On 23 May 2006, two Greek F-16 Block 52+ jets were scrambled to intercept a Turkish RF-4 reconnaissance aircraft and its two F-16 escorts off the coast of the Greek island of Karpathos, within the Athens FIR. A mock dogfight ensued between the two sides' F-16s, which ended in a midair collision between a Turkish F-16 and a Greek F-16. The Turkish pilot ejected safely after his jet was destroyed, but the Greek pilot died when his canopy and cockpit were destroyed during the collision.[107]

Turkish raids over northern Iraq

See also: 2008 Turkish incursion into northern Iraq

Turkey's F-16s were extensively used in the nation's ongoing conflict with Kurdish rebels in Southeastern Turkey and

Operation Sun. This was the first time a night-bombing operation on a massive scale also the largest operation conducted by Turkish Air Force.[108]

Syrian Civil War

See also:
Syrian–Turkish border clashes during the Syrian Civil War

During the Syrian Civil War, Turkish F-16s were tasked with airspace protection on the Syrian border. After the

RF-4 downing in June 2012 Turkey changed its rules of engagements against Syrian aircraft, resulting in scrambles and downings of Syrian combat aircraft.[109]

On 16 September 2013, a Turkish Air Force F-16 shot down a Syrian

Hatay province, with an AIM-9X Sidewinder missile. The helicopter crashed on the Syrian side of the border. Part of the crew could bail out from the crippled helicopter, but were killed when they reached the ground and were captured by Syrian rebels.[110][111][112]

On 23 March 2014, two TuAF F-16s from

Kasab and Yayladağı. The Syrian pilot ejected landing on the Syrian side of the border and was rescued. Also the crippled jet crashed on the Syrian side.[113][114][115][116][117]

On August 29, 2015 Turkish F-16's launched a massive scale bombardment campaign in response to the

ISIS's militia-structure back from Turkeys borders.[118][119]

On 16 May 2015, a Turkish Air Force F-16 shot down an Iranian made

Mohajer 4 UAV that had violated Turkish airspace over Hatay province entering 11 km into Turkish airspace. The UAV was downed with two AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. Initial claims by the Turkish government mentioned an intruding helicopter was shot down, but later it was admitted that the downed aircraft was an UAV as claimed by the Syrian side.[120][121]

On October 6, 2015, Turkish Air Force F-16's on combat air patrol near the Syrian border

MiG-29. Russia claims it is un-aware of any-such incident over Gaziantep shower says that Hatay violation was caused by a combination of bad-weather and defensive maneuvers against SAM systems that only lasted "a few seconds". However Turkish Military radar tracked the war-plane in its airspace for five minutes and missile systems inside Syria were locked on Turkish jets for over four minutes.[122]

On October 16, 2015, A Turkish Air Force F-16 shot-down a

Russian military however Russia denied such incident, later acknowledging it but denying ownership.[123]

On November 24, 2015, two Turkish Air Force F-16s

Su-24, claiming that it violated Turkish air space but Russia rejected Turkey's claim.[124]

During an escalation between Syria and Turkey at the beginning of March 2020, the two countries confronted each other in open war, leading to a surge in air combat kills on the hand of Turkish F-16s against Syrian jets.

On 1 March 2020 , two Syrian Su-24 strike bombers were shot down by Turkish Air Force F-16's using air-to-air missiles over Syrian Idlib province.[125] All four pilots safely ejected. Both Syrian and Turkish forces confirmed the downing.[126]

On 3 March 2020, a Syrian Arab Army Air Force L-39 combat trainer was shot down by a Turkish Air Force F-16 over Syrian Idlib province. Both Syrian and Turkish forces confirmed the downing.[127] The pilot died.[128]

2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

On 29 September 2020, during the

2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict an Armenian Su-25 crashed on the Armenian side of the border killing its pilot. Armenian officials claimed it was shot down by a Turkish F-16, showing the pictures of the crash site.[129] Turkish and Azerbaijani governments dismissed the Armenian claim, saying that two Armenian Su-25 crashed due to non combat related causes.[130] On 7 October 2020, satellite images of the Azerbaijiani airport in Ganja confirmed the presence of at least two F-16s in the apron, not far from the combat zone, but still not confirming their active role in the conflict.[131]

Venezuela

Venezuelan coup attempt (1992)

Main article:
Venezuelan coup attempts of 1992

On 27 November 1992, two Venezuelan F-16s took part in the November

OV-10 Broncos as these rebel-flown aircraft attacked loyalist army positions. At least one of the downed OV-10 Broncos was shot down with cannon fire at low speed and low altitude as captured on video.[132] To avoid hitting civilian targets, the two F-16s flew in the outer perimeter of the city, while one rebel OV-10 Bronco tried to engage combat.[133]

Anti drug operations

On 29 January 2015, a US registered Bombardier CL601 was chased and shot down off Boca Druif, Aruba by Venezuelan Air Force F-16s after failing to respond. Three bodies and 400 packets of drugs, mainly cocaine, were found.[134]

United Arab Emirates

Libya 2011

F-16s from Emirates participated in the enforcement of no-fly zone over Libya.

Syria (2014)

Starting on 23 September 2014, Emirati F-16s joined the

Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. The Emirates restricted their operations to the Syrian theater only. At the end of December 2014, the Emirates halted air strikes because of inadequate plans for the rescue of downed pilots after the downing of Jordanian pilot Muath al-Kasasbeh.[135]

Yemen (2015–2019)

30 Emirati F-16s participated in the

Houthis.[136]

Bahrain

Syria (2014–present)

Starting on 23 September 2014, Bahrain air force F-16s joined the American-led intervention in Syria, part of Operation Inherent Resolve against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Bahrain strikes are limited to the Syrian theater.[137]

Yemen (2015–present)

On 30 December 2015, a Bahraini F-16C crashed in

MANPADS.[139]

Morocco

Syria and Iraq (2014–present)

Starting on 10 December 2014, in their first deployment, Moroccan air force F-16s joined the American-led intervention in Syria and Iraq, part of Operation Inherent Resolve against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Morocco strikes both in Syria and Iraq, while being based in the United Arab Emirates.[140][141]

Yemen (2015–present)

Morocco was among the first countries to participate in the

Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen
, starting from 25 March 2015, targeting Houthis rebels allied with splintered elements of the Yemeni Armed Forces allied to the ousted president Saleh. The strike force was composed of the same six F-16s available for the strikes over Syria and Iraq against the ISIL, based in the Emirates.

On 10 May 2015, at 18:00 local time, one Royal Moroccan Air Force F-16C Block 52, serial number 08-8008, crashed while performing a mission as part of the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen, the pilot of a second F-16 said that he did not see any ejection. Originally missing for several hours,

anti-aircraft artillery fire,[142] while the pilot was killed in the crash.[143]
According to Tom Cooper, the F-16 was shot down by Anti-Aircraft guns or
MANPADS.[139]

Jordan

Syria (2014–present)

Starting on 23 September 2014, Jordanian Air Force F-16s joined the

Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant
. Jordan restricted its operations to the Syrian theater only.

On 24 December 2014, a RJAF F-16 crashed near Raqqa, Syria, and its pilot, Flight Lieutenant

MANPADS while it was flying at low altitude. Later, the US CENTCOM rejected the claim, ruling out hostile fire as the cause of the crash, without further details.[145]

On 10 May 2017, a Royal Jordanian Air Force F-16 fighter jet downed an unidentified drone entering the Jordanian air space from Syria.[146][147]

Yemen (2015–present)

On 24 February 2017, a Jordanian F-16 crashed in Najran, Saudi Arabia a military source reported, the pilot survived the crash.[148]

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