The final decision was made in the Bulgarian jet tender, which turned into a complete puzzle and many candidates shown.

Bulgaria made its choice in the endless jet procurement process. Sofia signed an agreement with Lockheed Martin for the procurement of F-16V Block 70, costs 512 million USD. Within the scope of Foreign Military Sales (FMS), Sofia will receive a total of eight aircraft. All platforms that will enter Bulgarian inventory at the time when the engine selection has not yet been specified, will be single-seat. The pilot training will be carried out on US Air Force (USAF) or NATO-bound twin-seater aircraft.

Until the first Bulgarian F-16V is delivered in 2023, MiG-29s (NATO Code: Fulcrum) will continue to their duties.