site.btaBulgaria Welcomes Full First Batch of F-16 Block 70 Fighter Jets

All eight F-16 Block 70 fighter jets under the first contract between Bulgaria and the United States are now at the air base, outgoing Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov said here Thursday. He was speaking at an official ceremony at Graf Ignatievo Air Base, where the aircraft were presented.

Those attending the ceremony included outgoing Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth Tomislav Donchev, outgoing Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications Grozdan Karadjov, Interior Minister Daniel Mitov, Chief of Defence Admiral Emil Eftimov, Air Force Commander Major General Nikolay Rusev, and Martin McDowell, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Sofia.

“This is a clear expression of the development and deepening of the strategic partnership between Bulgaria and the United States,” Zapryanov said. “We are implementing several other important projects together with the United States, and we are also looking forward to the delivery of the first Stryker combat vehicles at the beginning of next year. Negotiations are also ahead for the delivery of a coastal surveillance system to protect our maritime space.”

Zapryanov stressed that the project to acquire a new type of combat aircraft is of big importance within the broader effort to rearm Bulgaria’s armed forces. “The F-16 Block 70 aircraft are a core combat platform for us, and it is no coincidence that we are acquiring them from our main strategic ally, the United States,” he said. He recalled that in 2019, during his first term, U.S. President Donald Trump and then Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov signed a framework for a strategic partnership at the White House. The contract for the F-16 aircraft was also signed during President Trump’s first term. “Just a few days ago in Sofia we held the Third Strategic Dialogue with the United States, and today I am here to mark the fact that all eight aircraft under the first contract are now at the base,” Zapryanov added.

The caretaker defence minister explained that under the contract, six single-seat and two two-seat F-16 Block 70 aircraft have been delivered. Both models have already been cleared for service and are operational.

“When the contract was signed in 2019, BGN 300 million was allocated for infrastructure,” Zapryanov said. “Work on completing the critical infrastructure needed for the operation and storage of the new aircraft is continuing at full pace. This includes 49 different projects, more than half of which have already been completed, while others are currently under way. Most importantly, the key projects on which the arrival of the aircraft and the simulator depended, and which were certified by US experts, have been completed. This made it possible to accept the aircraft within the agreed timelines.”

According to Zapryanov, the implementation of the fighter jet acquisition project marks the fulfillment of a key measure in the outgoing government’s programme, which places strong emphasis on technological modernization and improving the interoperability of Bulgaria’s Armed Forces. “Under this government, we successfully finalized the national rearmament plan under the SAFE mechanism. It has been submitted to the European Commission, and we expect it to be approved after the beginning of the new year. Preliminary assessments indicate that all projects included in the plan are eligible for European funding,” he said.

He added that the Bulgarian Air Force are acquiring a fourth-generation multirole fighter. “With this aircraft, we are introducing an entirely new defence system that requires a new approach and way of thinking in its operation. This reflects our determination to ensure the inviolability of the airspace, territory and maritime areas of the Republic of Bulgaria. The F-16 Block 70 will perform these tasks seamlessly, as it is equipped with advanced surveillance, communications and weapons systems,” Zapryanov said.

He also pointed out that the interoperability of the new aircraft with comparable NATO combat systems guarantees effective cooperation with allies in collective operations. He recalled that this platform is already in service in Turkiye, Greece, Romania, Poland and Slovakia.

“As a nation, Bulgarians have repeatedly proven that when we work together, we can overcome any challenge,” Zapryanov said. “Support for the modernization of the Bulgarian Armed Forces is one of the enduring key priorities for guaranteeing our country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This is our constitutional duty, and it is also a contribution to peace and stability on NATO’s eastern flank and in Europe, both now and in the future.”

Addressing the Chief of Defence, the commanders and personnel of the Air Force and the Third Air Base, the minister concluded: “You have an excellent aircraft. Use it as you always have: wisely and with heart, well prepared and inspired. Godspeed!”