F-16 Falcon 50th Anniversary.

[seadude]

Several days ago marked the 50th Anniversary of the first flight of the F-16 Fighting Falcon jet.
https://www.airandspaceforces.com/air-force-f-16-50-years-tail-flash/
So I'm curious to ask, How much longer do you see the F-16 in service? What new upgrades will it have in future years to come?
Or do you think the F-16 should be retired from service right now because it is already outclassed by newer types of jet fighters?

[perttime]

It is still in production. Customers want it. The latest (Block 70?) are pretty capable. Newer types like F-35 do stuff differently (and stealthily) but the price tag is probably a bit much for many countries.

[kitbasher]

Another 15-20 years.  Depends whether someone comes up with a latter day equivalent 'affordable' fighter of equal or better performance.

And I don't see the Gripen taking on that role.

[The Rat]

When I were a lad it was considered noteworthy that the Short Sunderland had a 20 year career in the RAF. 

[kitbasher]

20 years really is nothing, nowadays!

[perttime]

There used to be new designs in service all the time. Now you give the old ones a Mid Life Update, or a few of them.
Considering what a current fighter aircraft costs now, to buy and to operate, it is no wonder Governments do not want a totally new designs every couple of years.

[kerick]

Here's some photos my friend sent me.



























Last Thursday was their open house.