Second batch of U.S. F16 Block 70 Fighter Jets Delivered to Bulgarian Air Force.

According to information published by the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence on June 8, 2025, the second U.S. F-16 Block 70 fighter jet for the Bulgarian Air Force successfully landed at Graf Ignatievo Third Air Base at 15:26 local time. The arrival of this advanced single-seat multirole combat aircraft, bearing tail number 313, marks a critical step in Bulgaria’s phased modernization of its national air defense capabilities. It was officially welcomed by senior Bulgarian defense officials, including Chief of Defence Admiral Emil Eftimov, Air Force Commander Major General Nikolay Rusev, and Colonel Metodi Orlov, commander of the host air base.
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The Bulgarian Air Force's second F-16 Block 70 fighter jet touches down at Graf Ignatievo Air Base on June 8, 2025, marking another key step in the nation's air defense modernization program. (Picture source: Bulgaria MoD)

The newly delivered U.S. F-16 Block 70 fighter jets belong to the latest globally proven F-16 Fighting Falcon family generation. It features the AN/APG-83 AESA radar, state-of-the-art avionics, and a modern mission computer with increased processing power, alongside an advanced electronic warfare suite. These capabilities are tailored for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, giving the Bulgarian Air Force a significant leap in combat effectiveness and NATO-standard interoperability. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the aircraft is now undergoing standard technical and flight acceptance procedures before being inducted into operational service.

The F-16 Block 70 is the most advanced variant of the proven Fighting Falcon multirole combat aircraft, featuring cutting-edge technologies such as the AN/APG-83 AESA radar, advanced mission computers, upgraded cockpit displays, extended structural life, and integrated electronic warfare systems. For the Bulgarian Air Force, transitioning from legacy Soviet-era MiG-29s to the F-16 Block 70 represents a transformative leap in capability, ensuring full NATO interoperability, superior situational awareness, multirole combat versatility, and sustainable logistics support through U.S. and allied supply chains. This modernization strengthens Bulgaria’s national defense posture and reinforces its strategic role within the NATO alliance, especially in safeguarding the Black Sea region.

This delivery stems from a two-phase procurement program formalized under the United States Foreign Military Sales (FMS) framework. In July 2019, Bulgaria signed its initial FMS agreement with the United States, valued at approximately $1.256 billion. This first deal covered the acquisition of eight F-16C/D Block 70 aircraft, along with a comprehensive package including training for pilots and maintenance personnel, logistics support, munitions, and ground-based systems. The contract represented the largest military procurement in Bulgaria’s post-Cold War history and underscored the country’s commitment to deepening its role within NATO’s integrated air defense architecture.

Following this initial contract, a second FMS agreement was approved in April 2022 for the procurement of eight additional F-16 Block 70 fighters, valued at approximately $1.3 billion. This brings the total number of aircraft to 16, enabling Bulgaria to field a fully equipped multirole fighter squadron by 2027. These aircraft will gradually replace the aging MiG-29 fleet, whose operational limitations and Russian-origin logistics chain have raised sustainability and compatibility concerns within the alliance.

Admiral Eftimov reiterated during the reception that Bulgaria remains on track to receive all eight aircraft from the first contract by the end of 2025, with initial operational capability expected shortly thereafter. The second batch is due by the end of 2027. These deliveries are central to Bulgaria's broader defense modernization strategy, which also includes investments in air defense systems, C4ISR infrastructure, and multinational exercises to ensure full mission readiness.

This delivery signals a decisive shift in Bulgaria’s defense posture, both technologically and strategically. The U.S. F-16 Block 70 offers a powerful platform with capabilities comparable to fifth-generation aircraft, enabling advanced threat detection, survivability in contested airspaces, and multirole operational flexibility. It is expected to significantly enhance Bulgaria’s ability to contribute to NATO’s collective defense missions and regional security initiatives in the Balkans and the Black Sea area.