Lockheed Martin has officially delivered the first F-16 Block 70 fighter jet to Bulgaria, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s ongoing initiative to modernise its Air Force.
The handover was celebrated in a formal ceremony last Friday, January 31, in Greenville, South Carolina, where the aircraft is manufactured. The event was attended by Bulgaria’s Minister of Defence, Atanas Zapryanov, along with senior American and Bulgarian officials. Bulgaria has committed to acquiring a total of 16 F-16 Block 70 jets as part of its defence upgrade.
Mike Shoemaker, Vice President and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Integrated Fighter Group, highlighted the importance of the delivery, stating: “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.”
Lockheed Martin’s facility in Greenville currently has a production backlog of 117 F-16 Block 70/72 jets, with 23 already delivered to international partners. The F-16 programme plays a crucial role in the United States’ industrial sector, supporting over 46,000 jobs across the country.
The acquisition of the advanced F-16 Block 70s is expected to significantly enhance Bulgaria’s defence capabilities, ensuring its air force is better equipped to meet security challenges while reinforcing its commitment to NATO and regional stability.
