Bulgaria Welcomes Its First F-16 Block 70 Jet from Lockheed Martin: A Milestone Moment
Lockheed Martin and the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence officially commemorated the arrival of the inaugural F-16 Block 70 in Bulgaria on Sunday, marking the commencement of F-16 operations within the nation. The F-16 Block 70 fighter jets will empower Bulgaria to safeguard its airspace while enhancing collaboration on European security among allies.
Bulgaria has placed an order for a total of 16 F-16 fighter aircraft. The initial eight units are set to be delivered by the conclusion of 2025.
Mike Shoemaker, Vice President and General Manager of the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin, highlighted during the event, “This occasion signifies not merely the arrival of a new aircraft for the Bulgarian Air Force – it heralds a new chapter of fortified security, sophisticated capabilities, and enhanced partnerships within the region.”
Shoemaker further remarked: “Lockheed Martin takes pride in acting as a bridge between the United States and Bulgaria as we collaborate to attain global peace through strength.”
The F-16 Block 70 jets are outfitted with the Northrop Grumman APG-83 AESA Radar, state-of-the-art avionics, an extended structural lifespan of 12,000 hours, and vital safety features such as the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto GCAS). Since its deployment into the U.S. Air Force in late 2014, the Auto GCAS has played a crucial role in saving 13 pilots across 12 F-16 incidents, highlighting the aircraft’s unmatched safety and performance standards.
Bulgaria’s latest F-16s will integrate into a worldwide network of over 700 F-16s currently operating in Europe and more than 3,100 in service globally. Lockheed Martin has a production backlog of 114 F-16 Block 70/72 jets to be manufactured in Greenville, South Carolina, with 26 jets delivered to date for international allies.
