With the evolution of the F-16 and its transition to the Mid Life Update (MLU) version, it became possible to employ laser-guided, GPS/INS-guided, or both types of weapons for air-to-ground missions. For air-to-air combat, the use of Beyond Visual Range (BVR) weaponry with radar guidance was introduced.

The introduction of this type of armament, integrated with a range of new sensors such as the Targeting Pod and Link 16, expanded the spectrum of missions assigned to the F-16, as well as its effectiveness, lethality, and survivability in hostile and contested environments. This development made the platform a benchmark for the success of missions in joint and combined environments.

The introduction of these Smart Weapons, enhanced by the fusion of information from multiple onboard sensors through a central computational system, and supported by Electronic Warfare (EW), capabilities that provide resilience and survivability, has made the F-16 MLU an aircraft referred to as "4.5 Generation". This designation indicates its ability to operate and interact with the latest 5th Generation capabilities.