Lockheed Martin and Belgium-based Sabena Engineering have signed a letter of intent (LOI) to establish a framework for expanding regional sustainment support for the F-16 Fighting Falcon, including the latest Block 70/72 configuration.
The agreement, signed during the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, is intended to strengthen lifecycle support for current and future F-16 operators while helping nations develop sovereign maintenance and sustainment capabilities.
The partnership combines Sabena Engineering’s more than five decades of experience maintaining F-16 aircraft, its depot infrastructure in Belgium and regional workforce expertise with Lockheed Martin’s original equipment manufacturer (OEM) knowledge of the platform.
According to the companies, the collaboration will offer a flexible sustainment model tailored to the needs of F-16 operators, whether they are introducing the aircraft into service, expanding existing fleets or establishing domestic maintenance capabilities.
The framework is designed to integrate regional maintenance infrastructure with technical expertise, engineering support and training, enabling operators to improve aircraft availability while developing the industrial capabilities and skilled workforce needed to support their fleets over the long term.
“Across Europe and beyond, 29 nations fly the F-16 because it delivers the interoperability, trust and proven capability that come from operating a common platform,” said Mike Shoemaker, vice president of Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin.
“Together with Sabena Engineering, we’re expanding regional expertise to help customers maximize fleet availability, strengthen sovereign maintenance capabilities and keep their aircraft ready for every mission,” he added.
Stéphane Burton, CEO of Orizio Group, said the cooperation builds on Sabena Engineering’s longstanding experience supporting the F-16 platform.
“For more than 50 years, Sabena Engineering has supported the F-16 and developed a unique depth of expertise on the platform. This cooperation with Lockheed Martin allows us to build on that legacy and extend it to the latest Block 70/72 aircraft,” Burton said.
He added that the partnership would provide operators with access to a European sustainment hub while supporting the development of national maintenance capabilities, training and technical expertise aimed at maximizing fleet readiness throughout the aircraft’s service life.
The companies said the agreement further strengthens their strategic relationship and reflects a shared commitment to supporting the evolving requirements of the global F-16 community through regional, customer-focused sustainment solutions.