U.S. approves potential sale of F-16 aircraft to Bulgaria

FILE PHOTO: The Pentagon is seen from the air in Washington, U.S., March 3, 2022, more than a week after Russia invaded Ukraine. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts/File Photo

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department has approved the potential sale of up to eight F-16 aircraft and related equipment to Bulgaria, in a deal valued at $1.673 billion, the Defense Department said on Monday.

The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin, the Pentagon said.