Lockheed Martin Delivers First F-16 Block 70 Jet to Bulgaria

Rhea-AI Summary

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has delivered its first F-16 Block 70 jet to Bulgaria, marking a significant milestone in Bulgaria's air force modernization efforts. The delivery ceremony took place in Greenville, South Carolina, with Bulgarian Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov and other officials in attendance.

Bulgaria has ordered a total of 16 aircraft. The F-16 Block 70 will enhance Bulgaria's role in allied peacekeeping missions in Europe and globally. Lockheed Martin currently has a backlog of 117 F-16 Block 70/72 jets to be produced at its Greenville facility, with 23 already delivered to international partners. The F-16 program supports over 46,000 American jobs.

Positive

• Secured order for 16 F-16 Block 70 jets from Bulgaria
• Strong backlog of 117 F-16 Block 70/72 jets
• Successfully delivered 23 jets to international partners
• Program supports 46,000 American jobs

Negative

• None.

GREENVILLE, S.C., Feb. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) today announced the 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 in a ceremony last Friday morning in Greenville, South Carolina, attended by Bulgaria's Minister of Defence, Atanas Zapryanov, alongside American and Bulgarian leaders. F-16s are built by the Lockheed Martin team in Greenville. Bulgaria has ordered 16 total aircraft.  

"The F-16 will help the Bulgarian Air Force stay ahead of threats in the region and play a key role in the allied peacekeeping mission in Europe and around the world," said Mike Shoemaker, vice president and general manager – Integrated Fighter Group. "The F-16 has proven its air dominance time and again, and the Block 70 version will give the Bulgarian Air Force a highly capable, combat-proven aircraft."  

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. 

Download more Bulgaria F-16 Block 70 delivery ceremony photos.

About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security^® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com. 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lockheed-martin-delivers-first-f-16-block-70-jet-to-bulgaria-302366420.html

SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics

FAQ

How many F-16 Block 70 jets did Bulgaria order from Lockheed Martin (LMT)?

Bulgaria ordered a total of 16 F-16 Block 70 jets from Lockheed Martin.

What is Lockheed Martin's (LMT) current F-16 Block 70/72 backlog?

Lockheed Martin has a backlog of 117 F-16 Block 70/72 jets to be produced at its Greenville facility.

How many F-16 Block 70/72 jets has LMT delivered to international partners?

Lockheed Martin has delivered 23 F-16 Block 70/72 jets to international partners.

How many American jobs does the LMT F-16 program support?

The F-16 program supports more than 46,000 American jobs.

Where are Lockheed Martin's (LMT) F-16 Block 70 aircraft manufactured?

The F-16 Block 70 aircraft are manufactured by Lockheed Martin in Greenville, South Carolina.