Lockheed Martin Completes F-16 Block 70 Fleets for Bulgaria and Slovakia

December 16, 2025 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2025-1765850648221-1428

US Defense Contractor Delivers Modern Fighter Jets to Eastern European Allies Amid NATO Expansion

Lockheed Martin has finished production of all F-16 Block 70 aircraft for Bulgaria and Slovakia’s initial fleets, according to AeroTime. The company announced the completion on December 15, 2025, noting that every aircraft has passed US government acceptance through the Foreign Military Sales program. The jets were built at Lockheed Martin’s Greenville, South Carolina facility, home to the world’s only active F-16 production line. This milestone marks a major step in both countries’ transition to modern fighter capability, as they upgrade aging air fleets and deepen participation in NATO air policing and collective defense operations.

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Key Takeaways

Lockheed Martin completed production of all F-16 Block 70 aircraft for Bulgaria and Slovakia.
Every aircraft has passed US government acceptance through the Foreign Military Sales program.
The jets were built at Lockheed Martin’s Greenville, South Carolina facility.
Deliveries mark a major step in both countries’ transition to modern fighter capability.

Lockheed Martin Bulgaria Slovakia

Strategic Implications

This milestone may indicate Lockheed’s ability to deliver complex defense systems on time. The use of the APG-83 radar suggests compatibility with other NATO systems, which could facilitate interoperability between allies. However, the significant investment in the F-16 program may also signal a shift towards more expensive defense solutions.