Luke AFB retires American F-16s, transitions to F-35s

Luke AFB retires American F-16s, transitions to F-35s

For those in the West Valley, it's not uncommon to see a fighter jet overhead from Luke Airforce Base. For decades, that flyover was most likely an F-16.However, as Luke AFB transitions to the newer F-35 aircraft, they've completed their last American F-16 flight at the base.The F-16's final flight at Luke signifies a transition, not an end, said Brig. Gen. David Berkland, 56th FW commander. It's a tribute to the aircraft's legacy and the Airmen…

End of an Era: Last F-16 for Training US Pilots Leaves Luke

After 42 years and more than 20,000 pilots, the last U.S. Air Force F-16 at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., took off March 24 en route to its new home with the 16th Weapons Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. There are still F-16s at Luke: the Republic of Singapore Air Force owns several for training RSAF pilots and maintainers with Luke’s 425th Fighter Squadron, and Top Aces, the private “red air” contractor that acts as adversaries in trainin…

Luke AFB concludes final U.S. F-16 divestment

The 56th Fighter Wing flew the final U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcon flight out of Luke Air Force Base, March 24, 2025, delivering it to the 16th Weapons Squadron at Nellis AFB.