Lockheed Martin completed the successful first flight of the Bulgarian Air Force’s F-16 Block 70 fighter.
The flight took place on October 22 from the facility in Greenville, South Carolina, before the F-16 had received its distinctive paint job.
Pilot Charles “Seeker” Hoag tested the supersonic capabilities during the flight.
According to Lockheed, Bulgaria will be the second European country to receive the F-16 Block 70 after Slovakia, which received its first aircraft earlier this year.
Bulgaria’s first F-16 Block 70 fighter (Lockheed Martin)
The Eastern European country’s Air Force ordered 16 jets, eight of them in 2019 and eight more in 2022. “With the F-16 Block 70, the Bulgarian Air Force will be well-equipped to secure its borders and partner with U.S., European and NATO allies,” said OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager, Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin.
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“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,” he added.
The F-16 is currently operated by 27 countries, six of which have ordered the F-16 Block 70/72 variants.
Bulgaria’s first F-16 Block 70 fighter (Lockheed Martin)