Lockheed Martin launches new F-16 production line in Greenville

US State Department approves the sale of eight F-16 Vipers to Bulgaria

By Dario Leone
Jun 14 2019
Share this article

Since the F-16 Vipers are intended to replace Bulgarian Air Force’s MiG-29s, they could be assigned to 3.IAB, based at Graf Ignatievo.

Back in January 2019 Bulgaria’s parliament approved the government’s plan to start talks with the United States on buying eight new F-16 Vipers, to replace its aging Soviet-made MiG-29s and improve compliance with NATO standards.

On May 30 2019, the US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Bulgarski Voenno Vzdushni Sili (Bulgarian Air Force) of eight F-16C/D Block 70/72 aircraft (marketed as the F-16V) with support, for an estimated cost of almost USD 1.7 billion.

US State Department approves the sale of eight F-16 Vipers to Bulgaria
This print is available in multiple sizes from AircraftProfilePrints.com – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS. F-16C Fighting Falcon 158th FW, 134th FS, 86-0336

The deal includes the Vipers and the usual complement of high tech weapons and systems, spare parts, and, of course, the training of personnel.

According to Scramble Facebook News Magazine, since the F-16s are intended to replace the air force’s MiG-29s, they could be assigned to 3 Iztrebitelna Aviacionna Basa (3.IAB), based at Graf Ignatievo.

As we explained on May 26 since the price tag for the F-16V is quite steep, Bulgaria may still consider buying SAAB Gripens, or second-hand Italian Typhoons.

This model is available from AirModels – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS.

In January in fact, Lockheed Martin tried to sell the eight F-16Vs for USD 1,05 billion (1,8 billion levs), and the Bulgarian government approved this amount. But now it is reported that the USA bid exceeds the budget by USD 174 million (300 million Levs).

The announcement of Bulgaria that they may sway to Gripen or Typhoon is of course a good negotiation in which they force Lockheed Martin and the USA to drop their price.

The F-16V has already been selected by Slovakia which will be buying 14 F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft for USD 1,78 billion.

Photo credit: Lockheed Martin


Share this article

Dario Leone

Dario Leone

Dario Leone is an aviation, defense and military writer. He is the Founder and Editor of “The Aviation Geek Club” one of the world’s most read military aviation blogs. His writing has appeared in The National Interest and other news media. He has reported from Europe and flown Super Puma and Cougar helicopters with the Swiss Air Force.

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Share this article


Share this article
Share this article

Always up to date! News and offers delivered directly to you!

Get the best aviation news, stories and features from The Aviation Geek Club in our newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox.

Error: Contact form not found.


Share this article
Back to top
My Agile Privacy
This website uses technical and profiling cookies. Clicking on "Accept" authorises all profiling cookies. Clicking on "Refuse" or the X will refuse all profiling cookies. By clicking on "Customise" you can select which profiling cookies to activate. We and our selected ad partners can store and/or access information on your device, such as cookies, unique identifiers, browsing data. You can always choose the specific purposes related to profiling by accessing the advertising preferences panel, and you can always withdraw your consent at any time by clicking on "Manage consent" at the bottom of the page.

List of some possible advertising permissions:

You can consult: our list of advertising partners, the Cookie Policy and the Privacy Policy.
Warning: some page functionalities could not work due to your privacy choices