Lockheed Martin’s delivery of Bulgaria’s second batch of eight F-16 Block 70 fighter jets could be pushed back from late 2027 to the second quarter of 2030 due to production challenges.
During an August 14 meeting with Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov, Lockheed Martin representatives said the revised schedule is not yet final. The company also assured Sofia that it would take all possible measures to limit the delay.
Concerned about a potential capability gap, Bulgaria is examining options to obtain secondhand fighter aircraft. These include used F-16s and JAS-39 Gripens. Sofia has also contacted Poland and Hungary to inquire about available MiG-29 aircraft and spare parts.
According to Sofia Globe, the Bulgarian defense ministry has not selected a specific aircraft type and is still awaiting responses to its inquiries.
Beyond acquiring used fighters, the ministry has identified other priorities, including securing adequate spare parts and components, providing training for Bulgarian pilots, and ensuring technical support for fleet maintenance and sustainment.
Bulgaria’s F-16 Program
Bulgaria ordered its first eight F-16 fourth-generation fighters from Lockheed Martin in 2019. The country received its first aircraft in April 2025.
Lockheed Martin completed construction and delivery of the remaining seven aircraft from the first batch in December 2025. However, the initial eight-aircraft fleet remains in the integration phase and is expected to become operational in 2027.
In 2022, Bulgaria ordered another eight F-16s. Their original delivery schedule targeted the end of 2027. The additional aircraft are intended to support the replacement of Bulgaria’s aging Soviet-era MiG-29 fleet.
