Slovakia Plans to Acquire Additional F-16 Block 70 Fighters

Lockheed Martin completes production of F-16 Block 70 jets for Bulgaria and Slovakia

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Lockheed Martin has completed production of all F-16 Block 70 aircraft ordered by Bulgaria and Slovakia. The aircraft were built at Lockheed Martin's Greenville, South Carolina facility and have completed DD250 final acceptance under the U.S. government's procurement process.

Why it matters

The acquisition of additional F-16 Block 70 fighters by Slovakia is part of the country's ongoing efforts to modernize its air force and enhance its defense capabilities. The F-16 Block 70 is the latest and most advanced variant of the F-16 fighter jet, featuring improved avionics, sensors, and weapons systems.

The details

Lockheed Martin has delivered the final F-16 Block 70 aircraft to Bulgaria and Slovakia, which had previously placed orders for the advanced fighter jets. The aircraft were produced at Lockheed Martin's facility in Greenville, South Carolina and have undergone the final DD250 acceptance process under the U.S. government's procurement guidelines.

  • Lockheed Martin completed production of the F-16 Block 70 aircraft on December 16, 2025 at 10:33 AM.

The players

Lockheed Martin

An American aerospace, arms, defense, information security, and technology corporation that is the world's largest defense contractor by revenue.

Bulgaria

A country in Southeastern Europe that has ordered F-16 Block 70 fighters from Lockheed Martin.

Slovakia

A country in Central Europe that has ordered F-16 Block 70 fighters from Lockheed Martin and plans to acquire additional units.

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What’s next

Slovakia is expected to announce plans to acquire additional F-16 Block 70 fighters in the coming months to further bolster its air force capabilities.

The takeaway

The completion of F-16 Block 70 production for Bulgaria and Slovakia marks a significant milestone in the modernization of their respective air forces, as they acquire the latest and most advanced variant of the iconic fighter jet.