site.btaF-16 Glitch to Be Fixed in Days, Defence Chief Eftimov Says

The F-16 aircraft has a minor technical issue that will be resolved within days, Defence Chief Admiral Emil Eftimov said in a national television appearance on Tuesday.

"The aircraft has a small technical issue that does not warrant such extensive discussion. It will be fixed in a few days. The main point is that the modernization of the Bulgarian army is underway," Eftimov said.

He noted that technical issues can also impact other equipment, which is normal. Regarding accusations of espionage, he stated these are unfounded claims. "There has been no data breach. I will address this again during blitz Question Time on Wednesday," Eftimov said, and referenced to the certification of the security systems at the Graf Ignatievo air base.

Eftimov thanked all military and civilian personnel for their responsibility and professionalism.

Earlier in May, Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov, Air Force Commander Major General Nikolay Rusev, and Defence Chief Admiral Emil Eftimov visited Graf Ignatievo Air Base to address concerns about a hardware issue found after the arrival of Bulgaria’s first F-16 Block 70. President Rumen Radev and GERB leader Boyko Borissov had exchanged accusations, Borissov claiming the head of the Air Force should be fired if Bulgaria had paid USD 100 million for a faulty jet, and Radev countering that the armed forces were underfunded. Zapryanov warned that routine technical issues are being politicized and reiterated that the Army’s depoliticized status must be safeguarded.