An F-16 fighter jet in flight, representing Bulgaria's new military capabilities.
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Sponsor Our ArticlesIn a historic announcement, Bulgaria has agreed to buy 16 F-16 Block 70 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin, marking a significant advancement in its military capabilities. The official rollout ceremony took place in Greenville, South Carolina, showcasing Bulgaria’s commitment to modernizing its defense while strengthening ties with NATO and EU allies. The investment of approximately $2 billion is expected to enhance security in the Black Sea region and includes a comprehensive pilot training program, emphasizing readiness for future challenges. The acquisition signifies a new chapter in Bulgarian defense strategy.
In a groundbreaking move that echoes across Europe, the vibrant country of Sofia, Bulgaria, has made headlines by agreeing to acquire 16 brand-new F-16 Block 70 fighter jets from leading aerospace giant Lockheed Martin. This purchase is a significant milestone, making Bulgaria only the second European nation, after Slovakia, to take the plunge for the latest F-16 model.
The official announcement came with a flourish during a rollout ceremony held in picturesque Greenville, South Carolina, on January 31, 2025. The Bulgarian Minister of Defense, Atanas Zapryanov, graced the event, sharing the spotlight with a host of U.S. and Bulgarian military officials. It was an occasion not just to celebrate a transaction but to mark the dawn of a new era in Bulgarian military aviation.
With a total price tag of approximately $2 billion, Bulgaria is demonstrating its commitment to modernizing its military capabilities. This investment is seen as a step forward in fostering stronger ties and cooperation with NATO and EU allies, with the United States regarded as Bulgaria’s primary ally.
For those who may not know, Lockheed Martin has been busy at its Greenville facility, which shifted its production line there in 2019. By 2022, the first F-16 aircraft were rolled out from these very premises. As of now, there’s quite a buzz, with a backlog of 117 F-16 Block 70/72 jets waiting to be produced, though 23 have already found homes with international partners.
The acquisition of these aircraft is expected to bolster security in the Black Sea region, which happens to be a hotspot, especially considering Bulgaria’s strategic location. It sits south of Romania and northwest of Turkey, right across from the Crimean Peninsula, a region that has been a point of tension since Russia’s annexation back in 2014. Therefore, enhancing Bulgaria’s combat aviation prowess is not just good news for the country but vital for NATO’s eastern flank.
In addition to acquiring these cutting-edge jets, Bulgaria is gearing up for a comprehensive pilot training program. A total of 32 pilots will be set for training, ensuring they are fully prepared to take full advantage of the sophisticated technology packed into these fighter aircraft. The first two jets—a single-seater D-model and a two-seater C-model—are slated to be hitting Bulgarian skies by March or April 2025. Meanwhile, the third F-16 is already on standby in Greenville, where it will be instrumental in training Bulgarian engineering and technical staff.
To further support this modernization effort, renovations are underway at the Graf Ignatievo air base, ensuring that it can accommodate the incoming F-16s. This transformation signifies a commitment not only to military capability but also to a future of increased security for the region.
As nations across Europe make strategic enhancements to their defense systems, Bulgaria’s recent purchase marks a pivotal moment. With the intention of improving its defense infrastructure and operational capabilities, the country is signaling to the international community that it is ready to stand strong by its allies and contribute to regional stability. The excitement is palpable as this new chapter unfolds, one that promises to reshape the landscape of Bulgaria’s air force for years to come!
Greenville Celebrates Historic Test Flight of Bulgaria’s First F-16 Block 70 Fighter Jet
Greenville, South Carolina Marks Historic Test Flight of Bulgarian F-16 Block 70
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