Production for the first 7 F-16 Block 70 fighter jets for Bulgaria has begun

Lockheed Martin has confirmed progress in the manufacturing of the first seven F-16 Block 70 fighter jets destined for the Bulgarian Air Force. This confirmation took place during an official ceremony at Lockheed Martin's Greenville facility in the United States, coinciding with the visit of the Bulgarian Minister of Defense, Todor Tagarev.

The acquisition of these aircraft is part of the Bulgarian Air Force's modernization efforts, aiming to replace its aging fleet of Soviet-origin fighter aircraft, specifically the MiG-29s. With the confirmation of the purchase of a total of eight F-16 Block 70s in 2019, Bulgaria embarked on a process to incorporate more advanced aircraft in line with contemporary defense needs.

In 2022, the Bulgarian government also approved the purchase of a second batch of eight F-16 Block 70 aircraft, authorized by the United States Department of State for a total amount of USD 1.673 billion. This decision was subsequently endorsed by the Bulgarian Parliament in November 2022.

During the Minister of Defense's visit to Lockheed Martin's facilities, the company reported that the first seven F-16 Block 70 fighter jets are in various stages of production. Additionally, it was emphasized that the inaugural test flight of the first F-16 Block 70 for the Bulgarian Air Force is scheduled for this year.

Bulgaria will become the second country in Europe to integrate the most modern version of the F-16, following Slovakia, and this development will represent a significant step in interoperability with NATO. The complete delivery of all eight aircraft in each batch is expected to be finalized by the year 2027.

Slovakia Receives First Batch of Advanced Block 70 F-16s

Lockheed Martin has formally delivered the first two of 14 F-16 Block 70 Fighting Falcon fourth generation fighter jets to Slovakia.

The manufacturer announced the deliveries in a statement in which an executive noted that the move marks a “crucial starting point in bolstering the country’s defense capabilities.”

The first tranche of aircraft will not arrive in country until mid-2024, and all deliveries are set to run through 2025.

Slovakia, which shares its eastern border with Ukraine, is set to become the first European operator of the Block 70 configured jets, initially agreeing to the 14 aircraft order for €1.58 billion ($1.8 billion) in December 2018. Lockheed originally rolled out the first Slovak F-16 Block 70 jet from Greenville in September 2023.

Lockheed Martin added that it has 135 of the Block 70 aircraft on backlog, which it expects to increase by eight units once a Bulgarian order has been agreed. Production of Bulgarian aircraft, based on an original order for eight aircraft is underway, with deliveries expected to begin in the last quarter of 2024. Bahrain got its first Block 70 last March 2023.

The Block 70 fighter jets are integrated with Northrop Grumman’s advanced APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and a high resolution Center Pedestal Display.

Foreign customers have been hungry for the Block 70 jets, particularly in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as in response to the growing threat posed by China. Buyers like Taiwan have seen the schedule for their Block 70 F-16s slip, prompting congressional outcry and calls to speed up deliveries to the island nation.

Rafale, MIrage 2000 or Gripen likely to be Bulgaria interim fighter aircraft

The Bulgarian government looks to be edging closer to reaching an agreement for an interim fighter aircraft after holding talks with Sweden and France, while the southeastern European nation awaits American F-16s.
The potential acquisition of the jets was prompted by Lockheed Martin when it delayed delivery of F-16 Block 70 aircraft to Sofia from 2023 to 2025.
Bulgaria requires an “interim” type to replace an aging MiG-29 fleet that’s expected to be unserviceable due to maintenance issues from the end of 2023 onward.
Until the F-16s reach full operational capability around 2028-2030, interim fighters will have to be used for the purpose of carrying out the Air Policing mission in the airspace of Bulgaria.
The interim fighter acquisition started out with Bulgaria sending letters to the United States, Sweden, France, Israel, the Netherlands, Spain and Italy, detailing the possibility of leasing second-hand aircraft. The Netherlands, Spain and Italy have all since confirmed they are unable to meet the request, according to the Bulgarian MoD spokesperson. 

“Sweden and France have responded favorably to our request,” spokesperson said. “We have initiated talks with [both]… to explore the possibilities for [the] interim fighter acquisition. We have not received any offers yet.”
Sweden could offer Saab JAS 39 Gripen C/D aircraft with France in a position to either pitch its Mirage 2000 or Rafale jets. Both the Swedish and French governments have not responded to requests for comment.
breakingdefense 

Bulgarian parliament approves deal to buy 8 additional F-16 Block 70

Bulgarian lawmakers have voted to approve the purchase of eight F-16C/D Block 70 fighter jets for the country’s Air Force, the acquisition is to be worth close to $1.3 billion.

The Minstry of defence said that the first F-16 deal from 2019 lacked sufficient weapons, air-to-ground missiles, and precision weapons for the aircraft.

Under the second contract, the plan is to have additional spare engines, additional radar stations, additional containers for targeting, and additional weapons delivered.

Bulgaria’s military would not be able to protect the country’s airspace after 2023 when its outdated Soviet-designed Mikoyan MiG 29 fighters are to be withdrawn from service.

The first eight F-16 Block 70 fighter jets that will arrive in 2025.

With this air power gap in mind, Bulgaria disclosed it had requested fighter jet lease offers from four countries to secure its air-combat capabilities until the first eight American F-16s become operational in 2027 or 2028. Bulgaria’s seeks to evaluate offers from the United States, France, Sweden and Israel, with France and Sweden having submitted their replies.

defensenews 

F-16 Block 72 Viper Has Been Offered to Bulgaria

Lockheed Martin offered to the Bulgarian Government the purchase of the F-16V Block 72 fighter, known as Viper
The senior manager at the U.S. company announced that the company is ready to offer to the Bulgarian Government systems, simulators and service till the end of their life cycle. The F-16V Block 72 fighter is fourth generation with renovated radar and information systems operating in real time, systems protecting the aircraft against crash on the land, systems following the life cycle of the pilot and saving him/her in case of loss of consciousness, as well as systems with big range of operation and accuracy of the firearms.
novinite

Bulgaria retires last MiG-21 fighters

The Bulgarian air force on 18 December held a ceremony to mark the retirement of its last Mikoyan MiG-21 fighters.
Involving the nation's last three serviceable examples – two single-seat MiG-21bis's and a two-seat MiG-21UM1 trainer – the event marked the end of regular flight operations, although the former pair will remain available to conduct quick reaction alert sorties until 31 December. The fighters will then be kept in storage at Graf Ignatievo air base, ready to be returned to airworthy status should the need arise.
Bulgaria's MiG-21 fleet had originally been slated for retirement in 2012, but the type's availability was continued through two life-extension efforts. This was deemed necessary due to airworthiness problems experienced by the air force's Mikoyan MiG-29 fleet.
A potential further extension of the remaining MiG-21s has been rejected due to the cost of overhauling the aircraft, which were manufactured in 1981 and 1982. Instead, the air force has opted to direct its efforts and available funds towards maintaining its struggling MiG-29 fleet.
flightglobal

Bulgaria To Allow NATO To Patrol Its Airspace

Bulgaria will amend its legislation to allow military aircraft of other NATO member states to conduct policing of the country’s air space jointly with the Bulgarian Air Force.
The planned changes will be made in such a way as to guarantee that Bulgaria won’t relinquish sovereignty of its air space to other countries.
The projected amendments are being called for by a need to enhance NATO’s capabilities to police the air space of the countries on its eastern flank, including Bulgaria, as recommended by the Alliance’s Summit in Wales last year.
Six Bulgarian Air Force MiG-29 fighter jets will have their engines overhauled in Poland. The agreement drew fire from the Russian producer of the aircraft RSK MiG who said that Poland has no licence or documentation whatsoever to repair MiG-29s.
Bulgaria needs to have at least one fighter squadron of 12 aircraft in order to maintain high level of combat readiness as a NATO member state. Currently, there are four flight-worthy MiG-29s with enough flying capacity in the Bulgarian Air Force.
Only two MiG-29s could remain flight-worthy and with enough flying capacity after the middle of next year unless the engines of other MiG-29 are repaired.
novinite

Bulgaria may sign deal with Russian firm on repairs to two MiG-29 fighters

Having said earlier that Bulgaria would not extend a costly contract with a Russian firm to maintain the country’s ageing fleet of MiG fighter aircraft, Defence Minister said that Bulgaria could sign a deal on having two repaired.
For several years, Bulgaria has faced the issue of replacing its non-Nato-standard Russian-made jet fighters with Western military aircraft.
No government has made a decision on the jet fighter acquisition, with part of the debate being whether to buy new fighters or to acquire second-hand ones.
Bulgaria could get a donation of second-hand US jet fighters from Washington.
sofiaglobe

Bulgaria May Withdraw MiG-29s From Service

Bulgarian Defense Minister has announced the Air Force likely will pull its 12 MiG-29 fighter jets out of service rather than proceed with what he called an "overpriced" maintenance and repair deal with Russia.
Signing an extended deal, until 2019, would be unfavorable to Bulgaria, and so he refused to sign the contract.
The proposed cost was triple the actual value of such a contract, according to the minister.
The aircraft are currently serviced by Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG. That deal is scheduled to expire in September.
The Defense Ministry has shortlisted three offers to acquire new combat aircraft, which include a US bid of F-16s, which were withdrawn from service, the Eurofighter Typhoon, and Sweden's Gripen
When Bulgaria joined NATO in March 2004, Sofia vowed to replace six of its MiG-21 aircraft and acquire eight new fighters by 2016.
defensenews

Bulgaria Eyes New Fighter Jets

Bulgaria is considering buying new fighter jets.
Defense Minister aims to visit the US in the first quarter of this year to discuss the potential procurement.
The defense investment strategy presented by the country's previous government states Bulgaria aims to acquire new fighter jets to replace its Soviet-built aircraft. When the country joined NATO in March 2004, Sofia vowed to replace six of its Mikoyan MiG-21 aircraft and acquire eight new fighter jets by 2016.
Due to the "inflated" cost of maintenance, the Bulgarian ministry would also no longer rely on Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG to repair and service the country's 12 MiG-29 fighter jets, and could instead opt for awarding a new contract to a Polish defense company.
The current contract is set to expire in September, and the Defense Ministry is negotiating with Poland, which offers preferential conditions to Bulgaria.
defensenews

Bulgaria will not buy new jet fighters before 2017

The saga of Bulgaria’s long-delayed purchase of new military jet fighters to meet Nato requirements is set to continue unresolved for a few more years because the state will give no investment loans or state guarantees for large projects before 2017.
This has emerged from a transcript of the Bulgarian cabinet’s November 26 meeting, at which Prime Minister and his ministers agreed only to support a project to construction a gas interconnector link with Greece.
The cabinet declined for now to give financial support to two major projects, the Defence Ministry’s 800 million leva modernisation project and the Regional Development Ministry’s plan to repair and modernise the road network, which has a price tag of about 300 million leva. Both would require a state loan.
Bulgaria joined Nato in 2004 and committed to having eight multi-purpose jet fighters at Nato’s disposal by 2016. Four should be available for operations and four to guard Bulgarian airspace, part of the alliance’s integrated air defence system.
Bulgaria still is using Soviet-era Russian MiG aircraft, incompatible with the needs of Nato and which pose huge problems in maintenance and because of the need to bring in spare parts from Russia.
Should the fighters not be replaced, Turkey and Romania, also both Nato members, would have to continue to assist in guarding Bulgarian airspace.
sofiaglobe

Greece poised to sell some of its F-16 fighters to Bulgaria

Greece is in talks with the US and Bulgaria about selling some of its old F-16 fighter jets to Bulgaria and leasing new ones from Washington.
NATO asked Bulgaria in February to update its air force’s capability and the country’s defense officials have approached Athens about the possibility of buying between six and eight Fighting Falcon planes. The issue was first discussed when the country’s two defense ministers met in March.
There is a precedent for such a deal as Portugal sold 12 of its F-16s to Romania for 880 million dollars in October 2013. Sources said the Hellenic Air Force would like the jets sold to be replaced by Block 52s but the US does not want to lease these airplanes.
focus-fen

Bulgaria To Choose New Fighter Planes Within 6 Months

Bulgaria must choose new fighter planes for its air force in the next six months.
The country can choose among three offers – new Gripen fighters, used Eurofighter from Italy or used F16 from Portugal.
novinite

Bulgaria Plans to Ground Its MiG-29, MiG-21 and SU-25 Russian-Made Jets

Bulgaria's military will scrap three dozen of its Russian-made fighter jets and bombers to reassert its independence from Moscow.
The plan to get rid of all Russian-made aircraft is part of Bulgaria's military development program through 2020 to further integrate the former Soviet bloc nation into the Western NATO defense alliance.
The military will present to parliament within six months a list of new airplanes to replace the 15 Russian-made MiG-29 and six MiG-21 fighters and 14 SU-25 bombers that remain in Bulgaria's air force.
themoscowtimes

Bulgaria's Government to Decide on New Fighter Planes in June

Bulgaria's Government will decide on the future of the project for buying new fighter planes for the air forces in June. In the next 30 days the Government will decide whether it will buy new type of fighter jets, or will renovate the old MiG-29s.
Bulgaria's government is gathering offers from the major producers. Italy has already made an offer for second-hand Eurofighter jets.
novinite

Bulgarian Defense Minister Delays Jet Fighter Purchase

Bulgarian Defense Minister has announced that the awaited acquisition of new jet fighters for the Air Force will likely not be launched this year. Bulgarian President said his country needs to purchase nine or 10 fighter jets to modernize its Air Force. Currently, the service has Soviet-built MiG-21 and MiG-29 jets in its fighter fleet.
Local media have reported that the government was aiming to buy nine used Block 15 F-16s from the Portuguese Air Force. The planned purchase was estimated to be worth about Bulgarian 700 million (US $464 million).
Other alternatives reportedly analyzed by the Bulgarian military include the acquisition of new Gripen fighter jets from Saab and the purchase of secondhand Eurofighter Typhoons from the Italian Air Force.
Meanwhile, the government of neighboring Romania also has expressed interest in acquiring a number of F-16s from Portugal to replace its fleet of MiG-21 jets
defensenews

Bulgaria To Buy Expensive, Third-Hand F-16 Aircraft

The Bulgarian Defense Ministry has decided to acquire expensive third-hand F-16s from Portugal, according to the Bulgarian media reports.

The Bulgarian government will pay approximately BGN 700 M for nine F-16s Block 15 to Portugal even though in 1999 Portugal paid twice less – BGN 268 M – to the US government for 25 second-hand F-16 planes, the Bulgarian daily Sega reported Thursday.

Gen. Rumen Radev told the Presa daily that the Portuguese deal was the best option because it included everything necessary for the operation of the planes, while Gripen and Italy offered only the planes without arms and with only the most basic land equipment for their operation.

According to Radev, even though the second-hand fighter jets from Portugal are already 30-years-old, they can be used for 25 more years.

defenseworld

Bulgaria plans to acquire new fighter jets in 2014

Bulgaria will seek to acquire eight new or used fighter jets for its air force in 2014, Defence Minister Anyu Angelov said Friday.

spacemart

Bulgaria dispondrá de nuevos cazas en 2015/Bulgaria to Have New Fighter Jets in 2015

La compra de un futuro caza para la Fuerza Aérea Búlgara estará cerrada en 2012, según fuentes del ministerio de defensa de Bulgaria. Este proyecto se ha ido retrasando hasta 10 años por falta de fondos.
Los comandantes de la Fuerza Aérea está previsto que terminen el estudios sobre sus necesidades este año 2010. En 2011, se estudiarán las ofertas presentadas para la entrada en servicio del nuevo modelo en 2015.
Bulgaria dispone actualmente de 16 MiG 29 recientemente modernizados, los cuales está previsto que estén en servicio hasta 2030, aunque está pendiente de firma, por falta de fondos, un contrato para su mantenimiento. Los MiG 21 de los que dispone Bulgaria serán retirados en 2012.
combataircraft.com
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The large-scale contract for the purchase of new fighter jets for the Bulgarian Air Force will be concluded in early 2012. The project for equipping the Bulgarian Air Force with new fighter jets – which has dragged on for about 10 years – had been delayed because of lack of funds.
The commanders of the Bulgarian Air Force are supposed to draft a vision for the development of the country's military aviation by the end of 2010.In 2011, Air Force will research the market and study offers from the respective military producers to see what fits best the needs with first deliveries of new fighter jets in 2015.
Bulgarian Air Force currently has 16 MiG 29 that can be used until 2030. The MiG 21 jets of the Bulgarian Air Force will be retired in 2012.
The Bulgarian Defense Ministry is yet to sign a contract for the post-warranty maintenance of the MiG 29, which has also been delayed for a while for lack of funds.
combataircraft.com

El Gripen podría ser el futuro caza de Bulgaria/Gripen Tipped as Winner for Bulgaria's USD 1 B Fighter Jet Contract

Bulgaria está buscando un nuevo caza para su Fuerza Aérea. Boeing con el F/A-18, Dassault con el Rafale, y Saab con el Gripen, ya han respondido a los requerimientos de información del ministerio de defensa búlgaro. Eurofighter está considerando su respuesta, y Lockheed Martin, con el F-16, lo hará a finales de Abril. Analistas del ABN Amro, dicen que el Gripen es el mejor posicionado ya que el JAS 39 es mucho mas barato que los competidores y ya ha ganado concursos similares en República Checa y Hungría. Bulgaria confía en su flota de is currently reliant on a fleet of Russian-made MiG 29 jets but is understood to be interested in replacing them with between 16 and 20 planes.
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The Bulgarian government is looking to buy a new fleet of fighter jets. Boeing with the F/A-18, Dassault Aviation with Rafale, and Saab with the Gripen, have already responded to the request for information from the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence. Eurofighter, is considering its response. Lockheed Martin, maker of the F-16, is expected to meet Bulgaria's MoD later this month. An analyst from ABN Amro, says that Gripen might have the best chance at winning the contract because its JAS 39 jet is cheaper than the Eurofighter and the manufacturer has won similar contracts in the Czech Republic and Hungary. Bulgaria is currently reliant on a fleet of Russian-made MiG 29 jets but is understood to be interested in replacing them with between 16 and 20 planes.