Lockheed Martin has delivered Bulgaria’s first F-16 Block 70 jet on February 3, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to modernize its air force. This delivery is the first of a total fleet of 16 aircraft ordered by Bulgaria.

The handover ceremony took place on the morning of January 31 at Lockheed Martin’s Greenville, South Carolina facility. The event was attended by Bulgarian Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov, along with U.S. and Bulgarian officials. The F-16 jets are being built at Lockheed Martin’s Greenville production site.

A Critical Step for Modernization

Mike Shoemaker, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin’s Integrated Fighter Group, commented on the delivery:
“The F-16 will help the Bulgarian Air Force maintain superiority against regional threats and play a critical role in allied peacekeeping missions across Europe and worldwide. The Block 70 variant provides Bulgaria with a highly capable and combat-proven aircraft.”

Global Production and Workforce Support

Lockheed Martin’s Greenville facility currently has 117 F-16 Block 70/72 jets on order, with 23 of them already delivered to international partners. The F-16 program also supports over 46,000 jobs across the United States, contributing significantly to the country’s industrial base.

Features of the F-16 Block 70

The F-16 Block 70 boasts advanced radar systems, modern avionics, and an enhanced weapons capacity. These features will improve the operational capabilities of the Bulgarian Air Force, enabling it to carry out regional and global security missions more effectively.

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