Lockheed Martin completed the successful first flight of the Bulgarian Air Force’s F-16 Block 70 fighter.
The flight took place on October 22 from the facility in Greenville, South Carolina, before the F-16 had received its distinctive paint job.
Pilot Charles “Seeker” Hoag tested the supersonic capabilities during the flight.
According to Lockheed, Bulgaria will be the second European country to receive the F-16 Block 70 after Slovakia, which received its first aircraft earlier this year.
The Eastern European country’s Air Force ordered 16 jets, eight of them in 2019 and eight more in 2022. “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,” said OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager, Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin.
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“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,” he added.
The F-16 is currently operated by 27 countries, six of which have ordered the F-16 Block 70/72 variants.
