Lockheed Martin of the United States has delivered Bulgaria's first F-16 Block 70 fighter jet, marking a significant milestone in the country's air force modernization efforts. The announcement came on Monday following a ceremony held last Friday in Greenville, South Carolina, where the aircraft was built. Bulgaria’s Minister of Defence, Atanas Zapryanov, attended the event alongside American and Bulgarian officials, according to a statement.
Bulgaria has ordered a total of 16 F-16 Block 70 jets as part of its commitment to strengthening national defense and regional security. The aircraft is expected to enhance the country's operational capabilities and contribute to NATO’s collective defense efforts.
Mike Shoemaker, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Integrated Fighter Group, highlighted the aircraft's advanced capabilities. "The F-16 will help the Bulgarian Air Force stay ahead of threats in the region and play a key role in allied peacekeeping missions," he said. "The Block 70 variant is a combat-proven platform that ensures air superiority."
Lockheed Martin’s F-16 production line in Greenville has a backlog of 117 Block 70/72 jets, with 23 already delivered to international partners. The program supports over 46,000 jobs across the United States, reinforcing its importance to the country’s defense industry.
Lockheed Martin continues to drive defense innovation, delivering cutting-edge technologies to ensure its allies maintain operational readiness in an evolving global security landscape.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
