By Rey Llerena, originally posted January 31, 2025 on WYFF4
GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. —
Lockheed Martin has delivered the first F-16 Block 70 fighter aircraft to Bulgaria as the country plans to develop its air force.
The aircraft was delivered in a ceremony at Lockheed Martin’s Greenville County facility on Friday morning, with top Bulgarian defense officials in attendance.
“With the acquisition of this multirole fighter capable of performing a wide range of tasks, we’re marking the beginning of the modernization of our combat aviation,” said Atanas Zapryanov, Bulgaria’s minister of defense.
Friday’s ceremony marked the first of 16 total F-16 Block 70s that will eventually be delivered to Bulgaria.
Chris Nations, Lockheed Martin’s chief F-16 test pilot, said the F-16 has been in service for more than 50 years. He said the Block 70 is the most capable version to date.
However, before the aircraft are delivered to customers, Nations said they are tested in the Upstate, where some people can hear sonic booms.
“That is the sound of freedom,” Nations said. “Realistically, what that is making sure that these jets work exactly like they’re supposed to. On the very first flight, after we’ve put the tires on and strap the wings on, I’ll take that aircraft up to over 40,000 feet in the air.”
South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette said these planes are one way the state is helping with national security.
“This is peace through strength,” she said. “Making sure that our allies have the equipment they need to keep their citizens safe is something we’re passionate about here. We’ve heard since President Trump took office, ‘How do we bring up the U.S.’s military might to make sure we keep our people and our country safe?'”
Lockheed Martin said there are more than 700 F-16s currently in service across Europe.