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Columbia Business Monthly

Lockheed Martin Announces Successful Flight of First Bulgarian F-16 Block 70 Aircraft

Oct 24, 2024 04:22PM ● By David Dykes

(Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin)

Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] on Oct. 24, 2024, announced the successful flight of the first Bulgarian F-16 Block 70.   

The flight occurred Oct. 22 at 9:30 a.m. EDT at Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Greenville, South Carolina, with test pilot Charles "Seeker" Hoag successfully conducting multiple system tests to validate performance and supersonic capabilities during the flight. 

Bulgaria will be the second European country to receive the F-16 Block 70.  

This F-16 Block 70 jet will be the first of 16 to be delivered to Bulgaria. Bulgaria signed its first Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for eight F-16s in 2019 and signed a second LOA for an additional eight jets in 2022.     

“The F-16 has proven its 21st Century Security capabilities time and again,” said OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager, Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin. “With the F-16 Block 70, the Bulgarian Air Force will be well-equipped to secure its borders and partner with U.S, European and NATO allies.”  

Sanchez added: “The F-16 was integrated by design from the beginning as a versatile, adaptable and scalable aircraft. Whether it be through air policing or offensive missions if required, the F-16 is strengthening NATO partnerships and will continue to do so for years to come.”  

The F-16 is operated by 27 countries, with six countries selecting the F-16 Block 70/72 version for their fleets. 

A Lockheed Martin spokesperson said the company sees opportunities for up to 300 additional jets, further enhancing the F-16's global reach. 

The Lockheed Martin Greenville facility employs over 1,800 people, with 1 in 4 serving or having served in the armed forces, and it generates more than $1.3 billion in total economic impact in South Carolina.