First F-16 aircraft for Bulgarian Air Force will be produced in December 2022

The first F-16 BLOCK 70 aircraft for the Bulgarian Air Force will be manufactured and completed in December 2022, manufacturer Lockheed Martin and the US Embassy in Bulgaria said on August 6. The Bulgarian pilots will be trained on this aircraft.

The remaining 7 fighter jets will be completed in 2023 and 2024. The Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria, Justin Friedman, has assured that the package of fighter jets and equipment fully meets the needs of Bulgaria.

Jim Robinson, Director of International Business Development for F16 at Lockheed Martin has said that the plan is for the first Bulgarian F-16 aircraft to be completed in December 2022. Bulgarian pilots and technicians will be trained on this aircraft. It will be delivered so that Bulgarian technicians and engineers can be trained. The first 6 aircraft will arrive in 2023. Already trained technicians and pilots will be able to operate these aircraft and will be accustomed to them, he added.

Justin Friedman, US Charge d'Affaires in Bulgaria has said that the US welcomes the idea of Bulgaria of buying a multi-purpose combat aircraft. The congratulations are for choosing such a highly capable modern model of the F-16, which will make Bulgaria an even more reliable partner, reduce dependence on Russian military equipment and help strengthen its regional and state security. The Bulgarian Air Force has a glorious history. The purchase of the F-16 will ensure that Bulgarian pilots and anyone serving in the Air Force will continue the tradition of courage and supreme skills, he added.