October 24, 2024 (by Lieven Dewitte) - On October 22, at 09:30h, the first Bulgarian F-16 Block 70 took to the skies for a successful test flight at Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Greenville, South Carolina.
Test pilot Charles "Seeker" Hoag conducted various system tests to validate the aircraft’s advanced capabilities, including performance assessments and supersonic functionality.

This F-16 Block 70 jet (#311) is the first of 16 that will be delivered to Bulgaria, marking a significant modernization step for the nation’s air force. Bulgaria initially signed a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) for eight F-16 Block 70 aircraft in 2019. The nation further expanded its fleet with a second LOA for an additional eight jets in 2022, demonstrating its commitment to strengthening defense capabilities in alignment with NATO standards.

The F-16 Block 70/72, the latest in the renowned Fighting Falcon family, incorporates cutting-edge radar, avionics, and weapons systems to enhance mission success in modern combat environments. Bulgaria will become the second European nation to operate the Block 70 variant, joining an expanding list of countries opting for this advanced fighter.

Currently, the F-16 is operated by 27 countries, with six nations, including Bulgaria, selecting the Block 70/72 configuration to modernize their fleets.