Lockheed Martin has announced the successful flight of the first Bulgarian F-16 Block 70 aircraft at their Greenville production facility.
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Press Release, Greenville SC, 24 October 2024: Lockheed Martin today 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,” said OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager, Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin. “With the F-16 Block 70, the Bulgarian Air Force will be well-equipped to secure its borders and partner with US, European and NATO allies.”
Sanchez added: “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.”
The F-16 is currently operated by 27 countries, with six countries selecting the F-16 Block 70/72 version for their fleets.
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