Bulgaria may have to wait longer for its second batch of eight F-16 Block 70 fighters, with the delivery schedule potentially moving from the end of 2027 to the second quarter of 2030. Lockheed Martin has reportedly stressed that the revised timeline is not yet final and that the company is working to limit the impact of production delays. The uncertainty has encouraged Sofia to investigate temporary fighter options to avoid a potential gap in combat-aircraft availability. Possible solutions include acquiring used F-16s or Swedish JAS-39 Gripens. Bulgaria has also sought information from Poland and Hungary about MiG-29 aircraft and associated spare parts. Beyond aircraft procurement, Bulgaria is considering pilot training, logistics support, spare parts availability, and maintenance requirements as part of its broader air-force modernization strategy. The country ordered its first eight F-16s in 2019 and received its first aircraft in April 2025. The initial fleet is expected to enter operational service after completing integration activities. A second group of eight fighters was ordered in 2022 to replace the remaining Soviet-era MiG-29 aircraft. The potential delivery delay highlights the challenges Bulgaria faces in transitioning from its legacy fighter fleet to a modern Western-designed combat aviation force.
