SINGAPORE, Feb. 16, 2012 -- Lockheed Martin has announced plans to bring the F-16 Fighting Falcon right up to date with the latest 5th generation systems.

The F-16V as it will be known will include an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, new mission computer and many other related cockpit improvements. The 'V' in the name stands for 'Viper', which is the name adopted for the F-16 by USAF pilots very early in the program.

Available as both an upgrade for most existing airframes or as a new product, the 'Viper' upgrade will bring older F-16s upto the latest 'Block 60' standard.