Bulgaria receives first F-16 Block 70 multirole aircraft from Lockheed Martin [VIDEO]

“This is not just a fighter jet, but a symbol and embodiment of Bulgaria’s strategic partnership with the US,” Prime Minister Zhelyazkov said. He emphasised that this partnership, initiated under Prime Minister Boyko Borisov and US President Donald Trump, continues today with Bulgaria acquiring not only fighter aircraft but also Stryker infantry vehicles and Javelin anti-tank systems.

🆕Първият многоцелеви #изтребител на 🇧🇬Военновъздушни сили 𝐅-𝟏𝟔 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝟕𝟎 кацна в 𝟑-а авиационна база в Граф Игнатиево днес.#БългарскаАрмия #ВВС #инвестициивотбраната #F16Block70#StrongerWithAllies 🇧🇬🤝🇺🇸 #StrongerTogether@USEmbassySofia @LockheedMartin pic.twitter.com/w09YFIWb35

— MoD Bulgaria (@BulgariaMod) April 2, 2025

Bulgaria placed its initial order for eight F-16C/D Block 70 aircraft in 2019 through the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme. Due to delays, including those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the full delivery of this first batch is now expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

“This marks the beginning of a new era in our air force capabilities. I wish success in flying,” said Defence Minister Zapryanov, confirming that the remaining seven aircraft and nine pilots are scheduled to be ready for service by year’s end. A second batch of eight aircraft is scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2027, allowing Bulgaria to establish a full squadron of Western-made multirole combat aircraft.

Bulgaria is the third country to begin receiving the advanced Block 70 version of the F-16C/D Fighting Falcon. Lockheed Martin is currently producing aircraft of this model for several countries, including Bulgaria, Slovakia, Taiwan, and Morocco, with Jordan also likely having aircraft in production.

“The mere arrival of the aircraft does not immediately make it Bulgarian. There is a procedure that takes time. The official transfer of documents must be completed,” Zapryanov noted, adding that a formal handover ceremony is scheduled for 12 April.

Chief of Defence Admiral Emil Eftimov congratulated the personnel at Graf Ignatievo and expressed confidence in their ability to quickly master the new platform. The aircraft represents a key component in enhancing Bulgaria’s defence posture amid a shifting geopolitical landscape in the region.

To date, Lockheed Martin has received orders for 188 units of the Block 70 variant, with additional deals potentially to follow this year. Prospective customers include Colombia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, while further acquisitions by Bulgaria and Slovakia remain under consideration in response to regional security developments.