Greenville, South Carolina – Bulgaria has officially received its first F-16 Block 70 fighter jet in a formal handover ceremony at Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Greenville.
The milestone event, held on Friday, marks the beginning of a new era for the Bulgarian Air Force as it transitions to modern Western military aviation technology.
The aircraft, featuring the Bulgarian flag on its tail, is the first of 16 jets ordered from the United States as part of Bulgaria’s long-term air force modernization plan.
Two of the newly acquired jets are expected to arrive in Bulgaria by the end of March, with the rest scheduled for gradual delivery in the coming years.
Strengthening Defense Ties with the U.S.
The high-profile ceremony was attended by Bulgarian Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov, alongside representatives from Lockheed Martin, the U.S. Congress and Senate, the Department of Defense, and the U.S. Air Force.
Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition, calling it a testament to Bulgaria’s growing defense partnership with the United States.
“The advanced capabilities of the F-16 Block 70 will greatly enhance Bulgaria’s combat aviation and ensure full interoperability with our NATO and EU allies,” Zhelyazkov said.
“This is a critical step in strengthening our national security and fulfilling our commitments within the alliance.”
Cutting-Edge Avionics and Training for Bulgarian Pilots
The F-16 Block 70, an advanced iteration of the widely used fighter jet, is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and radar systems comparable to those of fifth-generation aircraft.
According to Bulgarian pilots undergoing training, the aircraft retains the classic structure of the F-16 but boasts enhanced electronic warfare capabilities, improved fuel efficiency, and extended range.
More than 30 Bulgarian engineers and technicians have been undergoing training in the United States to maintain and service the new fleet.
Some have already completed their training and returned home, while others continue to refine their expertise to ensure Bulgaria has a well-prepared support team for the fleet’s deployment.
A Historic Moment for Bulgaria’s Air Force
Defense Minister Zapryanov hailed the delivery as a landmark achievement for the country’s defense forces.
“This is a historic moment for the Bulgarian Air Force. The introduction of the F-16 Block 70 represents a significant leap forward in our military aviation capabilities,” he stated. “These multi-role fighters will provide enhanced security and air defense for our nation.”
The F-16 Block 70 is expected to replace Bulgaria’s aging fleet of Soviet-era MiG-29 fighters, which have been increasingly difficult to maintain due to parts shortages and the geopolitical complications of sourcing replacements.
Future Deliveries and Strategic Implications
The next batches of F-16 jets are scheduled for phased delivery over the coming years, aligning with Bulgaria’s defense modernization roadmap.
Once fully operational, the new fleet is expected to significantly improve the country’s air defense and its ability to conduct joint NATO missions.
With Bulgaria positioning itself as a stronger ally within NATO, the acquisition of the F-16 Block 70 signals the country’s commitment to regional stability and military modernization.
The transition to Western-made fighter jets marks a new chapter for the Bulgarian Air Force, reinforcing its role in collective European defense efforts.