What Happened
Lockheed Martin Delivers Modern Fighter Jets to NATO Allies
Lockheed Martin has completed production of F-16 Block 70 aircraft for Bulgaria and Slovakia, marking a significant milestone in the transition to modern, NATO-interoperable fighter capability. The jets were built at the company’s Greenville, South Carolina facility and incorporate advanced features such as the APG-83 radar and conformal fuel tanks. The deliveries move both countries from planning to fielding their first modern 4.5-generation fighters. This achievement reflects years of coordination between US government teams, industry, and the two partner nations, according to Lockheed Martin Vice President and General Manager Mike Shoemaker. The company says the production supports over 1,500 jobs in the US and contributes to a shared supply chain relied upon by many NATO members. AeroTime reported the completion of production on December 15, 2025.