site.btaGovernment Approves Talks on F-16 Industrial Cooperation Amendment

The caretaker Government authorized the ministers of Economy and Industry and Innovation and Growth to negotiate and sign a framework agreement between the Bulgarian Economy Ministry and Lockheed Martin concerning the F-16 Block 70 Industrial Cooperation Programme, the Council of Ministers said on Wednesday.

In 2019, Bulgaria and the United States signed a contract for the acquisition of eight F-16 Block 70 fighter jets. The framework agreement envisages the implementation of six projects, five of which are already being successfully carried out in Bulgaria.

One of the projects is set to be renegotiated so that it better reflects the specific needs of the Bulgarian Defence Ministry and provides greater added value for the country and its Armed Forces.

The new project is expected to build on existing industrial capacity in Bulgaria for maintenance of components of the F-16 Block 70 system and will enable the country to carry out independent logistical support and operation of aircraft system components throughout their 30-year lifecycle.

The project will also involve the transfer of know-how and technologies, which are expected to enhance the competitiveness of Bulgaria’s defence sector and support the development of products and services with potential demand on international markets.