In Production: F-16 Block 70 Fighter Jets for Bulgaria

January 16, 2024

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Bulgarian Minister of Defence Todor Tagarev, Bulgarian Ambassador Georgi Panayotov, and Bulgarian Defence Chief Adm. Emil Eftimov visited Lockheed Martin’s (NYSE: LMT) F-16 production facility in Greenville last week to view progress in the production of Bulgaria’s future F-16 Block 70 fleet.  

Currently, seven Bulgarian F-16s are in various stages of production, and the inaugural flight of the first Bulgarian F-16 Block 70 is planned for later this year.  

OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager of the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin, said: “Bulgaria is acquiring a proven, state-of-the-art fighter aircraft system that will deliver decades of 21st Century Security capabilities and NATO interoperability. We are proud that the most advanced F-16 ever produced will aid in Bulgaria’s national security.”  

Bulgaria will be the second European country to receive the F-16 Block 70. With a current backlog of 135 jets, the F-16 production line in Greenville serves as a cornerstone of security for allies around the world.  

About the F-16
The F-16 is a strategic and valuable choice for many customers around the world seeking advanced fighter aircraft capabilities, regional and worldwide partnerships, and affordable lifecycle costs. More than 3,100 F-16s are operating today in 25 countries. The F-16 has flown an estimated 19.5 million flight hours and at least 13 million sorties. Today’s latest version, the Block 70/72, offers unparalleled capabilities and will be flown by six countries and counting. 

Source : Lockheed Martin Corporation