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.