Lockheed Martin has completed production of all F-16 Block 70 fighter jets ordered for the initial fleets of Bulgaria and Slovakia, marking a key milestone in both countries’ air force modernization and their integration into NATO operations.
The aircraft were built at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Greenville, South Carolina, and completed final acceptance under the U.S. government’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. With full fleets now produced, both nations are set to field advanced fighters capable of national air defense and participation in NATO air policing missions.
The F-16 Block 70 provides Bulgaria and Slovakia with a modern, fully interoperable platform aligned with the training standards and operational practices used by 29 allied F-16 operators. Lockheed Martin said the common framework improves alliance readiness and expands the pool of aircraft available for NATO missions across Europe.
“These aircraft move both nations from planning for next-generation airpower to demonstrating it in daily operations,” said Mike Shoemaker, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Integrated Fighter Group, calling the milestone a boost to NATO’s collective readiness.
The Block 70 configuration includes the APG-83 AESA radar, a modern digital cockpit, Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto GCAS), conformal fuel tanks and a 12,000-hour service life. The radar shares significant commonality with the F-35’s sensor, enhancing interoperability across allied air forces.
530 suppliers in 12 countries
Lockheed Martin highlighted the program’s transatlantic industrial footprint, supported by more than 530 suppliers in 12 countries, including European partners such as LOTN in Slovakia and Avionams in Bulgaria. Final assembly in Greenville supports more than 1,500 jobs and sustains the world’s only active F-16 production line.
With more than 700 F-16s operating in Europe, Bulgaria and Slovakia will also gain access to established training pipelines, logistics support and a broad operator community, the company said, strengthening long-term readiness and alliance resilience.