Outgoing Deputy PM: Pivotal Year for Bulgarian Air Force

Irina Shopova

Outgoing Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth Tomislav Donchev speaking at an official ceremony that welcomed the full first batch of F-16 for the Bulgarian Air Force, Graf Ignatievo Air Base, December 17, 2025 (BTA Photo/Boyan Botev)

Plovdiv, Southern Bulgaria,

18.12.2025 14:11

(BTA)

Outgoing Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth Tomislav Donchev described 2025 as a pivotal year for the Bulgarian Air Force, marking the start of a new era with the arrival of the first eight F-16 Block 70 fighter jets at Graf Ignatievo Air Base in southern Bulgaria. He was speaking at an official ceremony that welcomed the full first batch of the F-16 for the Bulgarian Air Force.

He emphasized that the Bulgarian Air Force and its pilots fully deserve these modern aircraft, expressing regret that they had not received them earlier. Donchev noted that the new jets introduce a different approach to achieving air superiority and offer a higher level of integration with all other branches of the Bulgarian Armed Forces, including the Land Forces and Navy.

He also highlighted that significant work remains to make sure all capabilities of the aircraft can be effectively utilized. He concluded by addressing the pilots, wishing them to be very well-prepared while hoping they would never need to engage in air combat.

/NF/