ViewpointsOpinionF-16 Electronic Warfare Capability Upgrades Will Ensure It Stays World’s Most Popular FighterWith upgrades to its electronic warfare system, the F-16 will continue to be one of the most capable fighters in the world for decades to come.SavePrintA U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet, in a file photo. Manjunath Kiran/AFP via Getty ImagesMike Fredenburg1/10/2024|Updated: 1/15/20240:00X 1CommentaryWith more than 4,600 built since it first flew in 1976, the F-16 military jet is by far and away the most successful post-World War II fighter aircraft. And more are being built all the time.Share this articleLeave a commentMike FredenburgAuthorMike Fredenburg writes on military technology and defense matters with an emphasis on defense reform. He holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and master's degree in production operations management.Author’s Selected ArticlesWith the F-35’s Unreliability and Cost, a New More Advanced F-16 Could Be Just What the Doctor OrderedJun 11, 2025Pentagon Moves to Bar Troops With Gender Dysphoria From ServiceMay 23, 2025Despite Vastly Outspending China and Russia, US Lags Both in Missile TechMay 20, 2025Golden Dome Ballistic Missile Defense Won’t Obsolete Mutually Assured DestructionMay 02, 2025Related Topicselectronic warfareF-16 fighter jet