Bulgaria Inks Deal to Buy 8 F-16s

The signed letter of offer and acceptance will double Bulgaria's fleet of F-16s set to replace its fleet of aging MiG-29 fighter jets.

Kimberly Johnson

Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at 07:27 PM ET

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Bulgaria signed a letter of offer and acceptance for the purchase of eight F-16s. [Credit: Lockheed Martin]

Key Takeaways:

Bulgaria has signed a $1.3 billion agreement to acquire eight additional Lockheed Martin F-16 C/D Block 70 fighter jets, bringing its total order to 16 F-16s to equip a full squadron.
This purchase replaces Bulgaria's aging MiG-29 fleet and provides essential air-to-ground armament for both batches of F-16s, with deliveries slated to begin in 2027.
Until the F-16s arrive, Bulgaria plans to acquire interim fighter jets like the Dassault Mirage 2000, Rafale, or Saab Gripen.
The acquisition is a key step in modernizing Bulgaria's air force, strengthening its airspace defense, and enhancing its interoperability within NATO amidst regional security concerns.

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Bulgaria has signed an agreement to purchase eight Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcons as replacements for its aging fleet of MiG-29 fighter jets, which it is set to retire in the coming year, according to reports.

The letter of offer and acceptance (LOA) for the $1.3 billion purchase was signed November 28, Janes reported. The deal is the second purchase of eight F-16 C/D Block 70s for the Balkan country, and will allow the Bulgarian Air Force to equip a full squadron upon delivery, which will begin in 2027.