Lockheed delivers first F-16 Block 70 aircraft to Bulgaria
The first F-16 jet at the handover ceremony in Greenville, South Carolina. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
The delivery of this F-16 Block 70 aircraft marks a first step in the Bulgarian air force’s modernisation efforts and the replacement of its MiG-29 aircraft.
Lockheed Martin has announced the delivery of the first F-16 Block 70 aircraft to Bulgaria.
Bulgaria has ordered 16 F-16 Block 70 fighters, which will reportedly be delivered in two batches – the remainder of this first batch in 2025. The second is expected to be delivered in 2027.
Lockheed announced the successful flight of the first F-16 jet in October 2024, at its production facility in Greenville, South Carolina.
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Bulgaria’s first F-16 Block 70 takes flight
“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,” said Mike Shoemaker, vice president and general manager – Integrated Fighter Group.
“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.”
According to Lockheed Martin, there is a backlog of 117 Block 70/72 jets to be produced in Greenville, with 23 ready to deliver for international partners.
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