(Photo of F-16 Being Delivered to Bulgaria. Photo by David Dykes)
By David Dykes
Lockheed Martin on Jan. 31, 2025, announced delivery of the first F-16 Block 70
jet to Bulgaria, marking a major step forward in the country’s efforts to
modernize its air force.
The delivery was celebrated at Lockheed Martin’s in
Greenville, South Carolina, facility and attended by Bulgaria’s Minister of
Defense Atanas Zapryanov alongside American and
Bulgarian leaders.
“This momentous occasion continues the strong partnership between
Lockheed Martin, the United States, Bulgaria as well as our allies,” said Greg
Ulmer, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics president.
“This is historic
event of key importance for the development of the Bulgarian Air Force,” Zapryanov said.
That development – and Bulgaria’s partnership with the
United States – is vital in boosting security of the Black Sea region and NATO’s
eastern front, he said.
F-16s are built by the Lockheed Martin team in Greenville,
and Bulgaria has ordered 16 aircraft.
Company officials said Lockheed Martin has a backlog of 117
F-16 Block 70/72 jets to be produced in Greenville, with 23 already delivered
for international partners.
The F-16 program supports more than 46,000 American jobs,
making it a vital part of the country’s industrial base, the officials said.
Lockheed
Martin’s Greenville site is the home of the F-16 Fighting Falcon production
line and provides nose-to-tail aircraft modification, maintenance, repair
and overhaul services for both military and civil aircraft.
The facility
employs more than 1,800 people and generates more than $1.3 billion in annual
economic impact in South Carolina.
Since opening its
doors in Greenville in 1984, Lockheed Martin has provided sustainment
services to thousands of aircraft, including the C-130, P-3,
KC-10, and C-9.