311). The event took place on January 31, 2025, at Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Greenville, South Carolina. ">
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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.

Bulgaria's first F-16 Block 70 aircraft at Lockheed Martin’s Greenville site in South Carolina (Defence Ministry Photo)

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.


Thanks to Viktor Imre Horváth

Additional images:

BVVS F-16D block 70 #301 is shown during the delivery ceremony at the Lockheed plant at Greenville IAP in January of 2025. [Lockheed photo]

BVVS F-16 block 70 #311 successfully completes its first flight, showcasing 21st Century Security capabilities, at Greenville IAP on October 22nd, 2024. [Lockheed Martin photo]

Lockheed Martin test pilot Charles 'Seeker' Hoag prepares to conduct the first flight of Bulgarian F-16 block 70 #311. [Lockheed Martin photo]