On December 15, 2025, as reported by Lockheed Martin, the company announced it had completed production of all F-16 Block 70 aircraft for the initial fleets of Bulgaria and Slovakia, with the jets manufactured at its Greenville, South Carolina, facility under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales framework. This milestone closes the production phase of two long-running acquisition programs aimed at replacing aging Soviet-era MiG-29s and aligning both air forces with NATO’s standards. It comes at a moment when the war in Ukraine continues to keep NATO’s eastern flank under pressure and when airspace protection over Central and South-Eastern Europe remains a critical political and military priority. By delivering complete, accepted fleets rather than small symbolic batches, the program transitions Bulgaria and Slovakia from planning to actual fielding of combat-ready aircraft capable of taking part in allied air operations. Read Full Defense News At This Link.
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| A recently delivered F-16 Block 70, previously ferried from Greenville, S.C. for Bulgaria, highlights the expanding presence of this advanced fighter in Europe as Slovakia becomes the first European nation to operate the cutting-edge jet, enhancing its defense capabilities and support for allied missions (Picture Source: Lockheed Martin) |