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.We had a problem loading this article. Please enable javascript or use a different browser. If the issue persists, please visit our help center.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 ArticlesChina’s Intelligence Ops Swamping the WestDec 02, 2025The Real Trump Card for Ukraine Is IntelNov 26, 2025Drugs, Oil, and the Rise of Trump’s Monroe Doctrine to Counter ChinaNov 21, 2025Experts Doubt China’s Claims on AI, Quantum RadarNov 10, 2025Related Topicselectronic warfareF-16 fighter jet