GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Bulgarian Air Force received its first batch of F-16 “Fighting Falcon” aircraft at Lockheed Martin’s production facility Jan. 31, marking a milestone in its efforts to modernize its military as a NATO member and valued U.S. ally.
The ceremony featured the presentation of the first two of the 16 ordered aircraft to Bulgarian leaders, including Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov. Key Tennessee Air National Guard representatives attending included Brig. Gen. Lee Hartley, Tennessee’s assistant adjutant general – Air, and Todd Wiles, chief of staff of the Tennessee Air National Guard. Tennessee is Bulgaria’s partner in the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program.
The Bulgarian Air Force received F-16 Block 70 aircraft, the most advanced fourth-generation fighter. The jets’ state-of-the-art avionics, radar and weapons systems are a significant upgrade for Bulgaria’s aviation defense capabilities and will enhance integration with NATO allies.
“There are air policing missions that need to be flown over the Black Sea region,” said Maj. Myyah Lockhart, the State Partnership Program director for the Tennessee National Guard. “Having this aircraft in their inventory places Bulgaria at the top tier of fighter air superiority.”
The acquisition of the F-16 Fighting Falcon is part of a broader initiative to modernize Bulgaria’s military in response to increasing regional security concerns. The deal, finalized in 2019, aligns with NATO efforts to enhance defense capabilities amid geopolitical tensions.
Tennessee has maintained a robust partnership with Bulgaria since 1993, being one of the first foreign nations and states to participate in the State Partnership Program.
Bulgarian pilots and maintenance crews will begin training on the new aircraft. The F-16 Block 70s are expected to be operational by the end of 2025.