Bulgaria F-16V Fleet Update
Bulgaria - Bulgarian Air Force
| Date | Dec. 18, 2025 |
| Country | Bulgaria |
| Force | Bulgarian Air Force |
| Aircraft | F-16V (F-16 Fighting Falcon) |
| Change | +4 active, -4 ordered |
Description
Lockheed Martin has finalized production of the initial F-16 Block 70 fleets for Bulgaria and Slovakia at its Greenville facility. These advanced multirole fighters feature the APG-83 AESA radar, which shares significant software and hardware commonality with F-35 systems. Technical specifications include conformal fuel tanks, a modern digital cockpit, a 12,000-hour service life, and the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto GCAS). Militarily, these deliveries enhance NATO interoperability and collective readiness. Bulgaria expects eight aircraft by late 2025, forming a full squadron by 2027. The fleets will benefit from an established European sustainment network of over 700 F-16 aircraft.