Wednesday 17 December 2025 08:51
Wednesday, 17 December 2025, 08:51
PHOTO Ministry of Defense
Font size
Two more of the first eight F-16 Block 70 fighter jets have arrived in Bulgaria, the Ministry of Defence announced. The manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, confirmed that the first order has now been completed.
The two aircraft - one single-seat and one two-seat - were welcomed by Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov and the Chief of Defence, Admiral Emil Eftimov. In 2019, Bulgaria paid nearly €1.1 billion upfront for the first eight jets. Delivery was delayed by two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new aircraft are equipped with a radar compatible with that of the F-35 and have an operational lifespan of 12,000 flight hours.
By the end of 2027, Lockheed Martin is expected to deliver another eight F-16 fighters, for which Bulgaria will pay more than €1.2 billion in instalments.
The first eight F-16 Block 70 aircraft will be officially presented at a ceremony at the Third Air Base on December 18, according to the Ministry of Defence press centre.
The two aircraft - one single-seat and one two-seat - were welcomed by Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov and the Chief of Defence, Admiral Emil Eftimov. In 2019, Bulgaria paid nearly €1.1 billion upfront for the first eight jets. Delivery was delayed by two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new aircraft are equipped with a radar compatible with that of the F-35 and have an operational lifespan of 12,000 flight hours.
By the end of 2027, Lockheed Martin is expected to deliver another eight F-16 fighters, for which Bulgaria will pay more than €1.2 billion in instalments.
The first eight F-16 Block 70 aircraft will be officially presented at a ceremony at the Third Air Base on December 18, according to the Ministry of Defence press centre.
Edited by Ivo Ivanov
English version: R. Petkova
This publication was created by: Rositsa Petkova