Bulgaria Unveils Its Inaugural F-16 Block 70 from Lockheed Martin: A New Era Begins
Lockheed Martin and the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence officially celebrated the arrival of the first F-16 Block 70 in Bulgaria on Sunday, signaling the initiation of F-16 operations within the country. The F-16 Block 70 fighter aircraft will empower Bulgaria to protect its airspace while promoting synergy on European security among allied nations.
Bulgaria has placed an order for a total of 16 F-16 combat jets. The initial eight units are expected to be delivered by the end of 2025.
Mike Shoemaker, Vice President and General Manager of the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin, emphasized during the ceremony, “This event not only marks the introduction of a new aircraft for the Bulgarian Air Force – it ushers in a new era of strengthened security, advanced capabilities, and improved collaborations in the region.”
Shoemaker additionally stated: “Lockheed Martin is proud to serve as a link between the United States and Bulgaria as we work together to achieve global peace through strength.”
The F-16 Block 70 aircraft are equipped with the Northrop Grumman APG-83 AESA Radar, cutting-edge avionics, an extended structural lifespan of 12,000 hours, and essential safety features such as the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto GCAS). Since its introduction into the U.S. Air Force in late 2014, the Auto GCAS has been instrumental in saving 13 pilots in 12 F-16 incidents, underscoring the aircraft’s unparalleled safety and performance benchmarks.
Bulgaria’s latest F-16s will connect to a global network of over 700 F-16s currently operational in Europe, as well as more than 3,100 in service worldwide. Lockheed Martin has a production backlog of 114 F-16 Block 70/72 jets to be produced in Greenville, South Carolina, with 26 jets delivered to date for international allies.
