The F-16I is a two-seat variant of the Block 52 developed for the Israeli Defense Force Air Force (IDF/AF). Israel issued a requirement in September 1997 and selected the F-16 in preference to the F-15I in July 1999. An initial "Peace Marble V" contract was signed on January 14th, 2000, with a follow on contract signed on December 19th, 2001, for a total procurement of 102 aircraft. The F-16I, which is called Sufa (Storm) by the IDF/AF, first flew on December 23rd, 2003, and deliveries to the IDF/AF began on February 19th, 2004. The F-16I has an estimated unit cost of approximately US$70 million (2006).

The F-16I's most notable difference from the standard Block 52 is that approximately 50% of the American avionics have been replaced by Israeli-developed avionics (such as the Israeli Aerial Towed Decoy replacing the ALE-50). The addition of Israeli-built autonomous aerial combat maneuvering instrumentation systems enables the training exercises to be conducted without dependence on ground instrumentation systems, and the helmet-mounted sight is also standard equipment. The helmet-mounted sight, head-up display (HUD), mission computer, presentation computer, and digital map display are made by Elbit Systems of Israel. Furthermore, the F-16I is able to employ Rafael's new Python 5 imaging infrared-guided high-agility air-to-air missile. The F-16I also has the Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI)-built removable conformal fuel tanks (CFT) added to extend its range; removal takes two hours. Key American-sourced systems include the F100-PW-229 turbofan engine, which offers commonality with the IDF/AF's F-15Is, and the APG-68(V)9 radar

Pictured here is a gorgeous 1:72 scale diecast replica of an USAF General Dynamics F-16A Viper fighter that bears the name "Play to Win", and was attached to the 21st Fighter Squadron "Gamblers", then deployed to Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, during 2025. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 7-inches
Length: 8-inches

Release Date: April 2026

Historical Account: "Peace Fenghuang" - The 21st Fighter Squadron is part of the 56th Operations Group at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, however it is separately based at Morris Air National Guard Base. It is a United States Air Force squadron that operates Taiwan-owned General Dynamics F-16V Fighting Falcon aircraft conducting fighter and maintenance training for the pilots and maintainers of the Republic of China Air Force.

Prior to reforming at Luke in 1997, the 21st Tactical Fighter Training Squadron operated McDonnell F-4E Phantom IIs at George Air Force Base, California, until 1993.

The 21st Fighter Squadron, 'The Gamblers', operate both the Block 20 F-16A/B and the F-16V for the Republic of China Air Force, under a three-year pilot training program called 'Peace Fenghuang' (Chinese for Phoenix). This was the only squadron at Luke Air Force Base to operate the original F-16 variant, which are unusual in being 93 fiscal year serial new build Block 20 aircraft.