Bulgaria enhances aerial capabilities with first U.S. F-16 fighter jet

Bulgaria's first F-16 has landed at the third fighter air Base in Graf Ignatievo, marking a significant milestone in a transformative upgrade in Bulgaria’s aerial warfare capabilities and replace the ageing fleet of Russian-made combat aircrafts

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov hailed the arrival of the first jet at the Graf Ignatievo air base in central Bulgaria.

“This is not just a fighter jet, but a symbol and embodiment of Bulgaria’s strategic partnership with the United States … a partnership that offers a new perspective for the Bulgarian Army,” the prime minister said.

The F-16 had departed the Lockheed Martin assembly facility in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 31.En route, a Tennessee State Air National Guard KC-135 tanker provided aerial refueling, with representatives from the Tennessee National Guard—Bulgaria's counterpart in the State Partnership Program—on board the tanker.

The F-16 Block 70 aircraft is the most advanced F-16 ever produced, featuring advanced, industry-leading radar technology, cutting edge avionics, and the most modern safety equipment. Of the 28 nations that operate the F-16, including 11 NATO Allies, Bulgaria is one of only four whose fleets will include this latest-generation variant.

The F-16 will facilitate full interoperability with NATO air policing operations and offers multi-mission capability to the Bulgarian Air Force as it undertakes its role of defending the nation’s territory and citizens.

Bulgaria will receive additional deliveries throughout the year. 

Bulgaria contracted to buy eight multi-role F-16 Block 70 aircraft in July 2019 for $1.3 billion. Plans initially called for the first planes to arrive in Bulgaria in 2023, but the coronavirus pandemic delayed their delivery.

In 2022, the Bulgarian government signed a contract with American aerospace company Lockheed Martin for a second batch of another eight of the F-16 fighter jets by the end of 2027.

As part of the U.S. government’s commitment to ensuring Bulgaria’s successful deployment of the aircraft, the U.S. Air Force will provide intensive training services over multiple years to assist the Bulgarian Air Force F-16 pilot, maintenance, and handling crews develop their mastery of the advanced fighter. U.S. Air Force specialists from the 31st Fighter Wing in Aviano, Italy, will also maintain regular contact with their Bulgarian counterparts to ensure the Bulgarian Air Force is equipped to optimize the aircraft’s performance.

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