Lockheed Martin Rolls Out First F-16 Block 70 Fleets for Bulgaria and Slovakia
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) proudly announces the completion of production for the entire fleet of F-16 Block 70 aircraft dedicated to Bulgaria and Slovakia, empowering both air forces with cutting-edge jets designed for NATO and allied operations.
These advanced aircraft were manufactured at Lockheed Martin’s state-of-the-art facility in Greenville, South Carolina, and were finalized through the U.S. government’s Foreign Military Sales program.
Importance of the F-16 Block 70
The full F-16 Block 70 fleets provide Bulgaria and Slovakia with enhanced national air defense capabilities, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to NATO air policing with a modern and fully interoperable fighter. These aircraft can integrate seamlessly with NATO systems, supporting the same operational missions conducted by various F-16 operators across Europe.
These jets play a crucial role in the defense modernization strategies of both nations, aligning their air forces with the standards and operational practices adhered to by 29 allied countries. This unified approach improves overall readiness, bolsters the alliance’s posture, and increases the number of interoperable aircraft available for NATO missions.
Insights from Experts
Mike Shoemaker, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin’s Integrated Fighter Group, expressed: “This achievement reflects the exceptional talent and commitment of our joint government, military, and industry teams. As both nations transition from planning to operationalizing next-generation airpower, this progress significantly enhances NATO’s collective readiness. It equips commanders with dependable, interoperable security capabilities across the alliance.”
Enhanced Features of the F-16 Block 70
The F-16 Block 70 is equipped with the APG-83 AESA radar, providing 95% software commonality and 70% hardware commonality with the radar systems of the F-35. Additional features include conformal fuel tanks, a modern digital cockpit, an impressive service life of 12,000 hours, and the life-saving Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto GCAS).
These advanced systems cater to a wide array of air policing, air defense, and joint exercise missions being conducted by F-16 operators across Europe. With over 700 F-16s stationed in Europe and an established global sustainment network, Bulgaria and Slovakia will benefit from proven logistics support, comprehensive training pipelines, and a robust community of operators, ensuring high availability and effective long-term maintenance.
Transatlantic Industrial Collaboration
The F-16 program thrives on a global supply chain comprised of over 530 suppliers from 12 countries, showcasing a strong collaboration with European partners. Slovakian firms like LOTN and Bulgaria’s Avionams contribute significantly to this collaborative ecosystem, highlighting Europe’s expanding role in supporting NATO readiness.
The final assembly of these aircraft and other component manufacturing take place at Lockheed Martin’s Greenville, S.C. facility—the only active F-16 production line worldwide—supporting over 1,500 skilled jobs while safeguarding critical fighter production capacity within the United States.
This robust F-16 program exemplifies transatlantic industrial cooperation, sustaining advanced U.S. manufacturing capabilities while generating economic value and supply chain opportunities across Europe. By enhancing industrial collaboration, it promotes resilience, furthers shared security objectives, and helps allied nations maintain state-of-the-art, interoperable fighter capabilities.
