Bulgaria’s Defence Ministry: Lockheed Martin says second F-16s may be delayed until Q2 2030

Representatives of Lockheed Martin told Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov at an August 14 meeting that the delivery of the second eight F-16 fighter jets could be delayed until the second quarter of 2030, but all steps will be taken to accelerate production and deliver them before then, a Defence Ministry statement said.

The statement quoted Stoyanov as saying that for Bulgaria “it is of key importance that the delay be minimised and not lead to an additional financial burden for the state”.

“We expect assurances that the delay will not affect the final price of the contract, as well as specific actions to reduce the delays,” Stoyanov said.

Regarding the remaining activities under the contract for the first eight F-16 Block 70, Stoyanov said that the goal is to have them on combat duty in 2027.

“For me as a minister, it is important to see F-16s flying in the Bulgarian sky, to have the necessary spare parts and components for aircraft maintenance, as well as sufficient, trained pilots,” he said.

In this regard, he raised the issue of expanding the opportunities for training Bulgarian pilots in F-16 training centres, as well as the timely provision of spare parts and components necessary for the maintenance and operation of the aircraft, the ministry said.

Stoyanov issued a reminder that Bulgaria had sent a request to the US for second-hand F-16 aircraft to help maintain the necessary capabilities of the Bulgarian Air Force.

“This issue is now gaining even greater importance and we hope to receive the necessary support,” Stoyanov said.