F-16I (Sufa)

The F-16I Sufa, Hebrew for Storm, is an Israeli-tailored F-16 variant built by Lockheed Martin. Lockheed's 2003 announcement marked inauguration of the first aircraft under Israel's new F-16I program, and GlobalSecurity describes the Peace Marble V program as supplying 102 two-seat F-16I aircraft. The aircraft is based on the F-16D Block 52+ family but adapted for Israeli range, weapons, avionics, and survivability requirements. It is one of the major combat aircraft types in Israeli Air Force service.

The F-16I's design centers on extending range and mission flexibility. Conformal fuel tanks reduce reliance on underwing fuel tanks and preserve pylons for weapons, while a two-seat cockpit supports complex strike missions. GlobalSecurity identifies the aircraft as a two-seat F-16I tailored for the IAF, and Lockheed describes the aircraft as a key element of Israel's defense posture. Israeli-developed avionics, electronic warfare, and weapons integration distinguish Sufa from a standard U.S. F-16D.

Operationally, F-16I gives Israel a large fleet of long-range multirole fighters below the heavier F-15I in payload and range but still highly capable for precision attack. Its combination of conformal tanks, two crew, Israeli electronics, and broad weapons integration makes it well suited to regional strike missions where distance and self-protection matter. For HiWars, the key point is that Sufa is not simply another F-16 variant; it is a national configuration tailored around Israel's operational geography and doctrine.