Lockheed Martin completes F-16 jets for pair of NATO allies

 

Lockheed Martin has completed production of all F‑16 Block 70 aircraft for Bulgaria and Slovakia’s initial fleets, equipping both air forces with advanced F-16s ready for NATO and allied operations, according to a news release.

The aircraft were produced at Lockheed Martin‘s facility in Greenville. Final acceptance was completed through the U.S. government’s Foreign Military Sales program.

Full F-16 Block 70 fleets give Bulgaria and Slovakia the capability to provide national air defense and support NATO air policing with a modern, fully interoperable fighter, according to Lockheed Martin. The aircraft connect directly to NATO systems and support the same mission sets already flown by F-16 operators across Europe.

These aircraft are integral to both nations’ defense modernization plans and align their air forces with the training, standards and operational practices used by 29 allied operators, the news release stated. That common framework improves readiness, strengthens the alliance’s posture and increases the number of interoperable aircraft available for NATO missions.

“This milestone represents the talent and dedication of the joint government, military and industry teams,” Mike Shoemaker, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Integrated Fighter Group, said in the news release. “With full F‑16 Block 70 fleets now produced, both nations move from planning for next‑generation airpower to demonstrating it in daily operations. This progress enhances NATO’s collective readiness and provides commanders with reliable, interoperable 21st Century Security capability across the alliance.”

According to earlier reports, the Slovak Republic had contracted Lockheed Martin to build 14 of the fighter jets and Bulgaria had ordered 16.

The F‑16 Block 70 features the APG‑83 AESA radar, which shares 95% software commonality and 70% hardware commonality with the F‑35 radar. The aircraft also includes conformal fuel tanks, a modern digital cockpit, a 12,000‑hour service life and the life‑saving Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto GCAS), the release stated.

These systems support the full range of air policing, air defense and joint exercise missions flown by F-16 operators across Europe, the release stated. With more than 700 F-16s in Europe and a global sustainment network already in place, Bulgaria and Slovakia gain access to established training pipelines, proven logistics support and a broad community of operators that help ensure high availability and efficient long-term maintenance.

The F‑16 program is powered by a global supply chain of more than 530 suppliers across 12 countries, including a strong network of European partners, according to Lockheed Martin. Companies such as LOTN in Slovakia and Avionams in Bulgaria contribute to this ecosystem and reflect Europe’s growing role in the collaborative industrial base that supports NATO readiness.

With final assembly and other component manufacturing taking place at Lockheed Martin’s Greenville — the world’s only active F-16 production line — the program supports more than 1,500 skilled jobs and preserves strategic fighter production capacity in the United States.

The F-16 program reinforces transatlantic industrial cooperation sustaining advanced U.S. manufacturing capability while generating economic value, supply chain opportunity and long‑term industrial participation across Europe, according to Lockheed Martin, which says by strengthening industrial base cooperation, the F-16 program promotes resilience, supports shared security goals, and helps allied nations maintain modern, interoperable fighter capabilities.

Lockheed Martin’s Greenville site is located at the South Carolina Technology & Aviation Center, an aviation business park and home of Donaldson Field airport.

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