Paris, France – 11 June 2025 – Lockheed Martin has taken another major step toward advancing sustainable aviation by expanding the use of synthetic aviation turbine fuels (SATF) across its tactical aircraft portfolio. Following the earlier approval of SATF for the F-35 Lightning II, this capability has now been extended to the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the C-130 Hercules.
This development underscores Lockheed Martin’s commitment to energy innovation, operational readiness, and environmental responsibility. By integrating SATF into these key platforms, the company aims to provide enhanced mission flexibility, reduce reliance on traditional fuel supply chains, and support global efforts toward cleaner energy in military aviation.
Mike Shoemaker, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin’s Integrated Fighter Group, emphasized the operational value of the update:
“The F-16 is the most battle-proven 4th generation fighter in service today, supporting a wide range of missions from air-to-air combat to close air support. Making it compatible with synthetic fuels ensures it remains mission-ready and adaptable to evolving fuel landscapes across the globe.”
Rod McLean, Vice President and General Manager of the Air Mobility & Maritime Missions division, echoed the importance of the milestone for the C-130:
“The C-130 has earned the confidence of 28 operators in 23 countries through unmatched reliability and versatility. Approving synthetic fuel use not only reflects a major engineering achievement but also offers a significant environmental benefit by reducing carbon emissions. It demonstrates our long-term commitment to sustainable operations, global interoperability, and resilient logistics.”
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Fleet-Wide SATF Compatibility: The F-35, F-16, and C-130 can now operate using synthetic fuel blends of up to 50%, depending on feedstock type and production methods, in combination with conventional jet fuel. These blends are already included in official flight manuals.
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Rigorous Testing: Lockheed Martin completed extensive technical and strategic evaluations to certify SATF for both the F-16 and C-130, ensuring that fuel performance met all necessary standards under various mission conditions.
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Support for Defense Sustainability Goals: This move aligns with the U.S. Department of Defense’s push for fuel diversification and energy security, contributing to reduced dependency on traditional fossil fuels.
Synthetic Aviation Turbine Fuels are advanced alternative fuels derived from both fossil-based sources (such as coal and natural gas) and sustainable feedstocks, including waste oils, agricultural byproducts, and other renewable materials. They are engineered to meet strict aviation standards while offering a cleaner, more adaptable energy option for modern air fleets.
With this expansion, Lockheed Martin continues to lead in delivering sustainable, future-ready aviation solutions that meet the evolving operational and environmental demands of its global defense partners.
Photo Jeroen Vogelaar
