Poland to help build modernised F-16 Block 70/72 fighters for the Bulgarian Air Force

Polskie Zakłady Lotnicze Mielec will produce components for the fourth-generation F-16 Block 70/72 fighters for the Bulgarian Air Force. The information has not been officially confirmed, but is consistent with previous news.

Here's What We Know

The Polish company will build fuselage tail parts for the modernised fighters. Earlier we wrote that Polskie Zakłady Lotnicze Mielec will manufacture up to 80% of the fuselage structure of the F-16 Block 70/72 Fighting Falcon. Assembly will take place at the Lockheed Martin plant in South Carolina.

It should be emphasised that this is the construction of fuselages for the first eight fighters ordered by Bulgaria. The deliveries are expected to be completed by September 2027. However, it is possible that if the company gains momentum, it will be in Poland that the rear fuselage parts for an additional batch of Bulgarian F-16 Block 70/72 will be built.

Lockheed Martin is now rebuilding production of modernised fighter jets, which was slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The company is ramping up but still has an order for about 140 aircraft. By 2025, Lockheed is expected to be able to produce 48 fighters annually, or four per month.

Source: Bulgarian Military, Defence24