Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] announced the successful flight of the first Bulgarian F-16 Block 70. The flight occurred Oct. 22 at 9:30 a.m. EDT at Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Greenville, South Carolina, with test pilot Charles “Seeker” Hoag successfully conducting multiple system tests to validate performance and supersonic capabilities during the flight. Bulgaria will be the second European country to receive the F-16 Block 70. This F-16 Block 70 jet will be the first of 16 to be delivered to Bulgaria. Bulgaria signed its first Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for eight F-16s in 2019 and signed a second LOA for an additional eight jets in 2022.
“The F-16 has proven its 21st Century Security® capabilities time and again. With the F-16 Block 70, the Bulgarian Air Force will be well-equipped to secure its borders and partner with U.S, European and NATO allies. The F-16 was integrated by design from the beginning as a versatile, adaptable and scalable aircraft. Whether it be through air policing or offensive missions if required, the F-16 is strengthening NATO partnerships and will continue to do so for years to come,” said OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager, Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin.
Test pilot Charles “Seeker” Hoag conducted various system tests to validate the aircraft’s advanced capabilities, including performance assessments and supersonic functionality. This F-16 Block 70 jet (#311) is the first of 16 that will be delivered to Bulgaria, marking a significant modernization step for the nation’s air force. The Bulgarian Air Force expects delivery of the first eight new F-16 Block 70s by 2025 and the second batch of eight F-16 Block 70s is expected to arrive in 2027.
The F-16 Block 70/72, the latest in the renowned Fighting Falcon family, incorporates cutting-edge radar, avionics, and weapons systems to enhance mission success in modern combat environments. Bulgaria will become the second European nation to operate the Block 70 variant, joining an expanding list of countries opting for this advanced fighter. Currently, the F-16 is operated by 27 countries, with six nations, including Bulgaria, selecting the Block 70/72 configuration to modernize their fleets.
