Bulgaria has taken a significant step in its military modernization efforts with the arrival of its first F-16 Block 70 fighter jet in April 2025, symbolizing a deepening defense partnership with the United States and a move away from its Soviet-era legacy systems.
The delivery follows a $1.2 billion agreement signed in 2019 with American defense giant Lockheed Martin for eight F-16 Fighting Falcons, later expanded in 2021 with an additional eight aircraft.
The jets are set to replace Bulgaria’s aging fleet of MiG-29s, which have been in service since the late 1980s. Originally scheduled for delivery in 2023, the F-16s were delayed due to global pandemic-related disruptions.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov hailed the arrival of the F-16 as a “symbol of a new era” for the Bulgarian Air Force, underlining its significance as a strategic milestone in the country’s integration into NATO’s defense infrastructure.
“This aircraft is not just a machine—it is a reflection of our evolving partnership with the United States and our commitment to NATO’s collective defense,” he stated.
The F-16 Block 70, the most advanced version of the iconic fighter jet, boasts enhanced avionics, radar, and mission systems.
According to Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov, these capabilities will ensure that Bulgaria’s air combat readiness is secured for the next 30 to 40 years.
He also emphasized the impact of the acquisition on troop morale, calling it a major boost for the country’s armed forces.
The first F-16’s transatlantic journey was supported by a KC-135 Stratotanker from the Tennessee Air National Guard, which provided in-flight refueling.
The aircraft was also escorted by Slovakian fighter jets—appropriate given Slovakia is the only other NATO member in Europe to have received the Block 70 variant so far. Slovakia took delivery of its first batch in July 2024.
Deliveries of Bulgaria’s F-16s are scheduled to continue through 2027. The development aligns with Bulgaria’s rising defense expenditure, which now stands at 3% of the country’s GDP—well above NATO’s 2% benchmark.
This increase reflects Sofia’s growing focus on military readiness amid a changing security landscape in Eastern Europe.
Despite this strong commitment, Prime Minister Zhelyazkov has pushed back against suggestions from U.S. political figures, including former President Donald Trump, that NATO members should increase defense spending to 5% of GDP.
“Many NATO nations are still working to meet the existing 2% goal,” he noted, adding that now is not the time to raise the bar further.
Globally, Lockheed Martin has received 117 orders for the F-16 Block 70/72 model, with recent deliveries made to Taiwan and approvals granted for future shipments to the Philippines. The jet remains a popular choice among U.S. allies for its versatility and proven performance.
As Bulgaria moves forward with its modernization plans, the arrival of the F-16 stands as both a symbolic and practical leap toward strengthening its role in NATO’s defense posture in Europe.