Bulgaria Celebrates Arrival of Its Inaugural F-16 Block 70 Fighter from Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin has formally presented the first F-16 Block 70 aircraft to Bulgaria, symbolizing a notable enhancement in the nation’s efforts to modernize its air force capabilities.
The delivery was celebrated at an event last Friday morning in Greenville, South Carolina, featuring Bulgaria’s Defence Minister, Atanas Zapryanov, along with American and Bulgarian officials. The F-16s are produced by the Lockheed Martin team in Greenville. Bulgaria has secured an order for a total of 16 jets.
“The F-16 will empower the Bulgarian Air Force to uphold a strategic advantage against regional threats and play a vital role in allied peacekeeping efforts in Europe and around the world,” remarked Mike Shoemaker, vice president and general manager – Integrated Fighter Group. “The F-16 has consistently proven its air dominance, and the Block 70 version will furnish the Bulgarian Air Force with an exceptionally capable and combat-ready aircraft.”
Lockheed Martin currently has an order queue of 117 F-16 Block 70/72 jets planned for fabrication in Greenville, with 23 already delivered to global allies. The F-16 project sustains over 46,000 American jobs, making it a crucial element of the nation’s industrial framework.
