site.btaDefence Minister: Bulgaria Will Have Full Ground Equipment for F-16 Jet Fighters by Year-End

Bulgaria will have full ground equipment for the F-16 jet fighters by the end of the year, said Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov at a press conference in Pomorie on Wednesday. He added that the country is already receiving the first F-16 Block 70 aircraft along with some spare parts, ammunition, and the logistical package under the contract with the United States. 

The Minister specified that the logistical support provided under the two aircraft delivery contracts includes spare parts, ground equipment, and technical maintenance for the first 200 flight hours and a period of 2–3 years, with the involvement of US technical personnel.

“We are working with the US government on concluding a contract for integrated logistical support covering the entire lifecycle of the aircraft, beyond the initial period,” Zapryanov emphasized. He assured that there is no risk of the aircraft running out of consumables, maintenance, or operational capability.

Regarding the infrastructure related to servicing the fighters, the Minister noted that construction work has been accelerated, although some facilities are still behind schedule. The delivered equipment will be installed as soon as the necessary infrastructure is completed, he added.

Zapryanov also noted that currently five Bulgarian pilots have been trained to fly F-16, with three more undergoing training in the US. A total of 32 pilots are to be trained under the two contracts, with full operational readiness of all 16 aircraft expected by late 2027 to early 2028.

While pilot training continues, combat duty will be carried out using MiG-29 fighters, with partial duty on the F-16 expected to start from mid-2026, provided pilots have sufficient flight hours and skills.