Bulgaria to Officially Induct First F-16 Fighter into Air Force on April 13

Bulgaria will officially welcome its first F-16 Block 70 fighter jet into service during a ceremonial event on Sunday, April 13, at the Third Air Base in Graf Ignatievo.

The event will be attended by Bulgarian Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov and Chief of Defense Admiral Emil Eftimov. U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for NATO and European Affairs David Baker and Acting U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria Susan Falatko will also be present, along with Lockheed Martin’s General Manager Michael Shoemaker.

The aircraft is one of two delivered to Bulgaria by U.S. manufacturer Lockheed Martin recently. These fourth-generation multi-role fighters are part of a broader U.S.–Bulgaria defense agreement involving the delivery of 16 F-16 Block 70 jets in two separate contracts signed in 2019 and 2022.

The F-16 Block 70 variant features an upgraded radar system, automatic ground collision avoidance technology, and an enhanced cockpit display, supporting a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The aircraft’s inclusion in the Bulgarian fleet is expected to align the nation more closely with NATO operational standards.

According to Defense Minister Zapryanov, a third F-16 has also been completed but remains at Lockheed Martin’s U.S. facility. The delay in its transfer is intended to allow Bulgarian personnel to complete specialized training.

The production of five more aircraft is currently underway. All eight jets from the initial 2019 deal are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2025. The second contract, signed in 2022, covers another batch of eight F-16s, with delivery expected to conclude by the end of 2027.