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Bulgaria received first F-16 Block 70 aircraft in handover ceremony
January 31, 2025 (by
Lieven Dewitte) -
Bulgaria’s Defense Minister, Atanas Zapryanov visited the United States for three days, where he attended the formal handover of Bulgaria’s first F-16 Block 70 fighter jet (311). The event took place on January 31, 2025, at Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Greenville, South Carolina.
The ceremony brought together key officials from Lockheed Martin, members of the U.S. Congress, representatives from the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Air Force, as well as local leaders from South Carolina.
This aircraft marks the first of 16 new F-16 Block 70 jets Bulgaria is acquiring under agreements signed in 2019 and 2022. The first two jets are expected to arrive in Bulgaria by April 2025.
The Block 70/72 is built with an extended structural life of 12,000 flight hours, 50% longer than earlier F-16 variants. The aircraft is designed for at least 40 years of service life without requiring major structural repairs.
Conformal fuel tanks increase fuel capacity and operational range while maintaining aerodynamic performance. The aircraft is also equipped with an upgraded engine for improved endurance and capability.
This aircraft took to the skies for a first successful test flight on 22 October 2024.
As part of his visit, Zapryanov will receive a briefing from Lockheed Martin’s leadership on the production capabilities at the Greenville site. He will also meet with Bulgarian Air Force personnel currently undergoing training in the U.S., as well as officials from the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Air Force overseeing the aircraft’s delivery.
The F-16 is currently operated by 27 countries, with six countries selecting the F-16 Block 70/72 version for their fleet. Lockheed Martin has a backlog of 117 F-16 Block 70/72 jets to be produced in Greenville, with 23 already delivered for international partners.
This aircraft marks the first of 16 new F-16 Block 70 jets Bulgaria is acquiring under agreements signed in 2019 and 2022. The first two jets are expected to arrive in Bulgaria by April 2025.
The Block 70/72 is built with an extended structural life of 12,000 flight hours, 50% longer than earlier F-16 variants. The aircraft is designed for at least 40 years of service life without requiring major structural repairs.
Conformal fuel tanks increase fuel capacity and operational range while maintaining aerodynamic performance. The aircraft is also equipped with an upgraded engine for improved endurance and capability.
This aircraft took to the skies for a first successful test flight on 22 October 2024.
As part of his visit, Zapryanov will receive a briefing from Lockheed Martin’s leadership on the production capabilities at the Greenville site. He will also meet with Bulgarian Air Force personnel currently undergoing training in the U.S., as well as officials from the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Air Force overseeing the aircraft’s delivery.
The F-16 is currently operated by 27 countries, with six countries selecting the F-16 Block 70/72 version for their fleet. Lockheed Martin has a backlog of 117 F-16 Block 70/72 jets to be produced in Greenville, with 23 already delivered for international partners.
Thanks to Viktor Imre Horváth
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