Minister Zapryanov described the event as a historic milestone for the Bulgarian Air Force, signalling the beginning of a major modernisation effort. “With the acquisition of this multirole fighter, capable of performing a wide range of missions, we are starting the renewal of our combat aviation and developing new military capabilities to ensure full operational compatibility with our NATO and EU allies,” he stated during the ceremony.
Bulgaria has ordered a total of 16 F-16 Block 70 fighter jets, making it one of the most modern air forces in the Balkans. Two aircraft are expected to arrive in Bulgaria by late March or early April, while a third will remain in Greenville to support the training of Bulgarian engineering and technical personnel. The remaining five aircraft from the first batch are already on the production line, with full delivery expected by the end of 2024.
A second contract, signed in 2022, will provide Bulgaria with an additional eight F-16 Block 70 jets. These aircraft are scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2027, ensuring Bulgaria’s transition to a fully modernised fighter fleet. Minister Zapryanov confirmed that the implementation of this contract is progressing according to plan, with no delays anticipated.
Lockheed Martin has already delivered 21 units—five in 2023 and 16 in 2024—to Bahrain and Slovakia, making Bulgaria the third country to receive the advanced F-16 Block 70 variant. The company currently has contracts to manufacture 188 aircraft, with production expected to surpass 200 as it continues marketing efforts in countries such as the Philippines, Colombia, Vietnam, and Pakistan.
🇧🇬 Upgraded airpower for Bulgaria coming soon!
Everything you need to know ➡️ https://t.co/vImdvovqht pic.twitter.com/e1E5kGYo9d
— Lockheed Martin Europe (@LMEuropeNews) January 29, 2025
During the ceremony, Lockheed Martin’s Vice President and General Manager of Integrated Fighter Group, Mike Shoemaker, emphasised the aircraft’s role in enhancing Bulgaria’s defence capabilities. “The F-16 will help the Bulgarian Air Force maintain its leading position in addressing regional threats and play a key role in NATO’s collective security mission in Europe and beyond,” he said. He also highlighted the aircraft’s proven air superiority, stating that the Block 70 version offers the Bulgarian Air Force a highly capable and effective fighter.
The modernisation programme includes extensive pilot and technical crew training, which is integral to the procurement contracts. Minister Zapryanov confirmed that five Bulgarian pilots will be trained to operate the first two aircraft, with a total of 32 pilots receiving training in the United States under both contracts. The training programme, valued at over $150 million, also includes simulators, weapons, and combat munitions, ensuring that the Bulgarian Air Force can fully integrate the F-16 into its operations.
To support the introduction of the new aircraft, Bulgaria is undertaking significant infrastructure upgrades at the Third Air Base, where the F-16 fleet will be stationed. Minister Zapryanov noted that 49 infrastructure projects are currently underway, aimed at improving not only the facilities required for the F-16 but the entire base. “We are modernising everything at the airbase,” he stated, adding that key facilities will be certified and completed before the arrival of the aircraft.
Министър Запрянов се срещна с 🇧🇬 инженери и техници, които се обучават за поддръжка на новите ✈️#F16Block70 в производствената база на @LockheedMartin. Обучението е ключово за интеграцията на #F16 в 🇧🇬бойна #авиация. Оценката на 🇺🇸 инструктори е, че 🇧🇬 екип се справя отлично. pic.twitter.com/c31EYy6sFy
— MoD Bulgaria (@BulgariaMod) January 31, 2025
The construction of protective shelters for the jets will continue throughout 2025, following the arrival of the first two aircraft and the remaining six from the first batch. A total of 16 shelters will be built within a year, alongside two mobile hangars and other essential structures to meet Lockheed Martin’s operational requirements. These developments will ensure the proper storage, maintenance, and operational readiness of Bulgaria’s new fighter fleet.
The handover ceremony was attended by high-ranking Bulgarian officials, including Ambassador to the US Georgi Panayotov, Deputy Defence Minister Adelina Nikolova, Deputy Chief of Defence Lieutenant General Krasimir Kanev, Air Force Commander Major General Dimitar Petrov, and other senior military personnel.
Minister Zapryanov praised the strong strategic partnership between Bulgaria and the United States, stating that cooperation in defence has significantly strengthened security in the Black Sea region and NATO’s eastern flank. He expressed gratitude to Lockheed Martin’s leadership, engineers, and trainers for their efforts in accelerating the production of the fighter jets and the training of Bulgarian personnel.
