F-16 Viper: First Delivery to the Bulgarian Air Force
Lockheed Martin has successfully delivered the first F-16 Viper fighter jet to the Bulgarian Air Force, marking a significant milestone in the country’s military modernization efforts. The delivery took place in Graf Ignatievo, Maritsa, as part of a series of foreign military sales agreements between the United States and Bulgaria, initiated in 2019 and 2022. Under these agreements, Bulgaria has ordered 16 fourth-generation jets to replace its aging fleet of Soviet-made MiG-29 Fulcrum aircraft.
The transportation of the F-16 Viper involved a two-stage journey. Initially, the aircraft was flown from Greenville, South Carolina, across the Atlantic to Spain, before making its final flight to Bulgaria. Importantly, this transfer adhered to international aviation regulations, which required that the aircraft be delivered under the auspices of the US Air Force. Upon its arrival in Maritsa, the US insignia was replaced with Bulgarian markings.
Future Deliveries and Training
Following this initial delivery, Bulgaria expects to receive seven more F-16 airframes within the current year. One of these additional jets is currently stationed in the United States, where it is being utilized to train Bulgarian technicians and engineers ahead of the full fleet transfer. By the end of 2027, Lockheed Martin is on track to deliver an additional eight Vipers to the NATO member, coinciding with Bulgaria’s plans to establish a new squadron dedicated to operating these advanced jets.
Bulgarian Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov emphasized the significance of this acquisition during the delivery event in Maritsa, stating, “For the Air Force, this signifies a new era in their development. Our Air Force combat aviation has a future because they now possess a new aircraft that will remain operational for the next 30 to 40 years. I am convinced that this will motivate personnel to serve with much greater commitment and with promising prospects.”
Capabilities of the F-16 Viper
The F-16 Viper being delivered to Bulgaria reflects the Block 70/72 variant of Lockheed Martin’s renowned Fighting Falcon model. This version is equipped with the most advanced configuration available for the F-16, specifically designed to meet current threats and maintain competitiveness with modern fifth-generation fighter jets. The aircraft itself measures 50 feet (15 meters) in length and boasts a wingspan of 31 feet (9 meters). It operates on powerful engines produced by either Pratt & Whitney or General Electric.
In terms of armaments, the F-16 Viper features state-of-the-art radar systems, an electronic warfare suite, multi-domain missiles, mines, guided and unguided munitions, and options for carrying nuclear bombs. With an impressive operational range of 2,450 miles (3,942 kilometers) and a maximum speed of Mach 2, equivalent to 1,534 miles per hour (2,470 kilometers per hour), the jet can reach a service ceiling of 55,000 feet (16,764 meters), enhancing its versatility and effectiveness as a combat aircraft.
