site.btaU.S. Confirms Commitment to Deliver Two More F-16 Fighters to Bulgaria Within Days, Foreign Ministry Says

Bulgaria's Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev received U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires Martin McDowell at the Foreign Ministry on Friday, the Ministry said. The U.S. side reaffirmed its commitment to deliver two more F-16 Block 70 fighter jets within days, as well as the remaining two aircraft from the first batch, if possible, by the end of 2025.

Deliveries of Stryker armoured combat vehicles are also set to begin, with Bulgaria also receiving technology transfer to enable domestic assembly. McDowell said that this reflects the strategic nature of U.S.-Bulgaria relations and Bulgaria’s role as a security actor in the region

Georgiev and McDowell discussed tangible results in bilateral cooperation in priority areas such as security and defence, energy, and various exchange programmes. They confirmed that the strategic partnership between Bulgaria and the U.S. continues to develop positively.

Georgiev noted that Bulgaria’s inclusion in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program remains a key national priority. He outlined the Government’s substantial progress in meeting the programme’s criteria and expressed hope that the U.S. will provide a clear timeline for Bulgaria’s accession. The U.S. Embassy noted that Washington views Bulgaria’s progress positively.

The officials also explored ways to strengthen cooperation between Bulgaria and the U.S. within the United Nations and its specialized agencies, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated approach to global challenges based on shared goals and priorities.