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 for eight Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70 fighter jets, its second such purchase, to replace its aging MiG-29 fleet and equip a full squadron with modern armaments.
This acquisition aims to modernize Bulgaria's air force and provide air-to-ground capabilities for both F-16 batches, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027.
To bridge the gap until the F-16s arrive, Bulgaria is seeking interim fighter solutions, such as Dassault Rafale or Saab Gripen aircraft.
The deal is part of Bulgaria's broader strategy to secure its airspace and strengthen NATO's eastern flank following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

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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.