In the beginning, only five nations were meant to purchase the F-16 when it was under development. Thirty years later, a number of twenty five countries are using the F-16 in active duty around the world. Nine countries took part in the development of the F-35, in addition is Israel in the process of buying the aircraft, several other countries also having sounded their interest. For Lockheed Martin, this means receiving far more orders in advance regarding the F-35 compared to the F- 16. The four European countries ordered all in all a number of 348 F-16`s before the aircraft went into production, while nations outside of USA are planning to purchase 763 F-35`s before this aircraft has been used in operative duty.

The chapter provides a short description of the aircraft:

• A-10 Thunderbolt II
• AMX
• F-111
• F-16 Fighting Falcon
• F/A-18 Hornet
• Harrier
• Panavia Tornado