site.btaTechnical Issues with F-16 Jet Are Not Political, But Military-Technical, Defence Minister Zapryanov Says

In response to a reporter’s question about the hardware issue with Bulgaria’s first F-16 Block 70 fighter jet during the ceremony marking May 6 – Day of Valour and Bulgarian Armed Forces Day, Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov said that all military equipment undergoes testing, and any technical problems are military-technical in nature, not political.

"We are expecting the replacement device for the F-16 to be sent to us. The acquisition process will continue next week. After that, we will complete the testing and begin the logistical transport of this aircraft from the United States, followed by the next one," Zapryanov explained.

The minister added that he approaches today’s celebration with optimism, as it marks a constructive new phase for Bulgaria’s Armed Forces.

When asked how President Rumen Radev had learned about the aircraft issue, given that the information is classified, Zapryanov said that the matter would be reviewed by the appropriate specialized institutions. "For us, it was purely technical information," he emphasized.

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.