Big Step As Country Modernizes Its Air Force

Lockheed Martin delivered the first F-16 Block 70 fighter jet to Bulgaria, signaling a big step forward in the country’s plan to modernize its air force. A ceremony was held to celebrate the delivery at the company’s manufacturing facility in Greenville, South Carolina, attended by Atanas Zapryanov, Bulgarian Minister of Defense, along with other Bulgarian and American officials. 

Lockheed Martin has already delivered 23 of the Block 70 aircraft to international partners, with a current backlog of 117 more jets to be built.

Mike Shoemaker, Vice President and General Manager of the Integrated Fighter Group said, "The F-16 will help the Bulgarian Air Force stay ahead of threats in the region and play a key role in the allied peacekeeping mission in Europe and around the world. The F-16 has proven its air dominance time and again, and the Block 70 version will give the Bulgarian Air Force a highly capable, combat-proven aircraft."

This delivery is part of a larger commitment in two contracts signed in 2019 and 2022 for a total of 16 aircraft. Delivery of the first eight is expected by the end of this year, with the second batch to be completed by the end of 2027.

Atanas Zapryanov said, “We are witnessing a historic event of key importance for the development of the Bulgarian Air Force. With the acquisition of this multi-role fighter capable of performing a wide range of tasks, we are marking the beginning of the renewal of our combat aviation, the building of new capabilities of our Armed Forces, with which we will ensure full interoperability with Nato and EU allies.”

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