They do upgrade the systems on the older planes periodically but if you could make an f16 frame have f35 computers they wouldnt have needed to build the f35. It is actually not as manueverable as the f22 but its advanced systems give it the edge anyway. Neither the f16 nor f22 have the advancements of the f35.

I dont think, if I were Trump and I thought I needed an escort from point A to point B, that I would get f16s to do it. If anyone has any documentation proving f16s still are the primary AF1 escorts I will gladly retract my statement.

And before anyone says it could have been a ground-launched interceptor from Hawaii (not a presidential escort), Hawaii does not have F16s stationed there

Edit: one reason AF1 doesnt need a fighter escort is because it is rumored to have its own ECM package to evade or disable incoming missiles

They do upgrade the systems on the older planes periodically but if you could make an f16 frame have f35 computers they wouldnt have needed to build the f35. It is actually not as manueverable as the f22 but its advanced systems give it the edge anyway. Neither the f16 nor f22 have the advancements of the f35.

I dont think, if I were Trump and I thought I needed an escort from point A to point B, that I would get f16s to do it. If anyone has any documentation proving f16s still are the primary AF1 escorts I will gladly retract my statement.

And before anyone says it could have been a ground-launched interceptor from Hawaii (not a presidential escort), Hawaii does not have F16s stationed there