Bulgaria Receives First F-16 Block 70 Fighter Jet, Marking a New Era in Air Defense

On January 31, 2025, Lockheed Martin held a grand ceremony at its Greenville, South Carolina facility to mark the official handover of the first F-16 Fighting Falcon Block 70 aircraft to Bulgaria. This milestone represents a major step forward in Bulgaria’s military modernization efforts, reinforcing its defense capabilities and strengthening its role within NATO.

A Game-Changer for the Bulgarian Air Force

The event was attended by top Bulgarian and U.S. officials, including Bulgaria’s Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov, senior members of the U.S. Congress, and representatives from the U.S. Department of Defense and Air Force. Minister Zapryanov hailed the arrival of the advanced fighter as a "historic moment" for Bulgaria’s air force, emphasizing that the F-16 Block 70 would significantly enhance national security and ensure full operational compatibility with NATO and EU allies.

The Cutting-Edge F-16 Block 70

The F-16 Block 70 is the most advanced version of the legendary Fighting Falcon, featuring cutting-edge avionics, an APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, enhanced mission systems, and a modernized cockpit designed for greater pilot situational awareness. The aircraft is built for multirole missions, excelling in both air-to-air and air-to-ground operations. With its advanced weapon systems, increased fuel efficiency, and superior durability, the F-16 Block 70 gives Bulgaria a next-generation fighter capable of tackling regional and global threats.

Bulgaria’s Order: A Step Toward a Fully Modernized Fleet

Bulgaria has committed to acquiring 16 F-16 Block 70 fighter jets, divided into two separate contracts. The first batch of eight aircraft, signed in 2019, is expected to be delivered by the end of 2024. The second contract, signed in 2022, secures another eight jets, scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2027. With this acquisition, Bulgaria is replacing its aging Soviet-era MiG-29 fighters, positioning itself as one of the most modern air forces in the Balkans.

Two of the newly built F-16s will arrive in Bulgaria by late March or early April, while one aircraft will remain in the U.S. for training Bulgarian engineers and technicians. The remaining five jets from the first batch are already on the production line and will be delivered before the end of the year.

Training and Infrastructure Upgrades

To integrate the new aircraft seamlessly, Bulgaria has launched an extensive pilot and maintenance crew training program. Currently, five Bulgarian pilots are being trained in the U.S., with a total of 32 pilots expected to complete training under both contracts. This program, valued at over $150 million, includes flight simulation, weapons training, and combat munitions to ensure full operational capability.

Additionally, Bulgaria is making significant infrastructure upgrades at the Third Air Base, where the F-16 fleet will be stationed. A total of 49 projects are underway, including the construction of 16 protective aircraft shelters, two mobile hangars, and new maintenance and operational facilities. These upgrades are expected to be completed before the full fleet arrives, ensuring that the new fighters are stored, maintained, and deployed efficiently.

Strengthening Bulgaria’s Strategic Role in NATO

Bulgaria’s acquisition of the F-16 Block 70 is not just about upgrading its fleet—it is about solidifying its role as a key NATO member in the region. During the handover ceremony, Lockheed Martin’s Vice President and General Manager of Integrated Fighter Group, Mike Shoemaker, emphasized the importance of these aircraft in strengthening Bulgaria’s defense posture. “The F-16 Block 70 will enable the Bulgarian Air Force to maintain regional air superiority and play a pivotal role in NATO’s collective security mission,” he stated.

Minister Zapryanov echoed this sentiment, highlighting the deepening strategic partnership between Bulgaria and the United States. He acknowledged Lockheed Martin’s efforts in accelerating production and training programs, ensuring that Bulgaria is equipped to handle modern security challenges.

A New Chapter in Bulgarian Air Power

As Bulgaria prepares to induct its first F-16 Block 70 fighter jets, it embarks on a transformative journey to strengthen its air defense. With superior technology, comprehensive pilot training, and modernized infrastructure, the Bulgarian Air Force is positioning itself as a formidable force in the region. This acquisition marks a decisive step toward a more advanced, NATO-integrated, and combat-ready Bulgaria—one that is ready to meet future security challenges head-on.