Lockheed Martin delivers first F-16 Block 70 jet to Bulgaria
Enhancing national defence capabilities
Lockheed Martin has delivered Bulgaria’s first F-16 Block 70 jet, marking a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to modernise its air force. The aircraft was delivered at a ceremony held at Lockheed Martin’s Greenville, South Carolina facility, with Bulgaria’s Minister of Defence, Atanas Zapryanov, and key American and Bulgarian officials present.
Bulgaria has ordered 16 F-16 Block 70 aircraft, significantly enhancing the nation’s air capabilities. The F-16 Block 70, built by the Lockheed Martin team in Greenville, is a highly advanced version of the fighter jet designed to support Bulgaria’s defence objectives and improve the country’s ability to respond to evolving threats in the region.
During the ceremony, Mike Shoemaker, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin’s Integrated Fighter Group, highlighted the F-16’s strategic importance to the Bulgarian Air Force.
“The F-16 will help the Bulgarian Air Force stay ahead of threats in the region and play a key role in the allied peacekeeping mission in Europe and worldwide,” Shoemaker stated.
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“The F-16 has repeatedly proven its air dominance, and the Block 70 version will provide the Bulgarian Air Force with a competent, combat-proven aircraft.”
The Block 70 variant of the F-16 is equipped with advanced avionics, enhanced cockpit displays, and a range of new technologies that offer improved operational capabilities. These enhancements allow the jet to perform various mission types, from air superiority to ground attack, while ensuring superior survivability in complex combat environments.
Lockheed Martin’s Greenville facility plays a crucial role in the production of the F-16, and the delivery of this first aircraft to Bulgaria is part of a broader effort to meet the demand for modern, combat-ready fighter jets from international partners. The company has a backlog of 117 F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft on order, with 23 of these jets already delivered to other global customers.
The F-16 programme is vital to the US economy, supporting over 46,000 American jobs across various industries, including manufacturing, engineering, and logistics. The programme’s success underscores the strength of the US defence industrial base and its vital role in supporting allies like Bulgaria, which seeks to modernise its military assets in line with NATO standards.
The F-16 delivery also aligns with broader NATO goals, strengthening Bulgaria’s defence capabilities and enhancing its interoperability with other allied forces. As European security challenges continue to evolve, adding the F-16 Block 70 will significantly bolster Bulgaria’s ability to participate in NATO missions, contributing to the region’s collective security.
Image: The F-16 programme is vital to the US economy, supporting over 46,000 American jobs across various industries. Credit: Lockheed Martin
