site.btaDefence Minister Zapryanov: Both Contracts for F-16 Aircraft Acquisition Include Spare Part Supplies

Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov made a statement to journalists at his Ministry on Friday due to, what he described as "the ongoing speculations and politicization of the F-16 issue. Both contracts for the acquisition of the F-16 Blok 70 aircraft include the necessary supplies of spare parts, consumables and warranty maintenance services for the use of the aircraft,” Zapryanov stated.

“After a malfunction of one of the systems of the F-16 aircraft was detected, the Ministry immediately took action to request assistance from the United States,” Zapryanov said. “On May 6, we were informed that the block had been sent and is currently in Bulgaria,” the Minister added.

“After the replacement of the block, inspections related to the technical acceptance of the aircraft will continue, after which the aircraft will be tested in flight, the so-called flight acceptance will be carried out,” Zapryanov said.

“The partnership with the US government, US Department of Defence and US Air Force is crucial when technical issues arise,” the Minister said. “The reaction of our partners was very quick, and we are grateful for the fact that we were able to replace the block,” Zapryanov pointed out.

In his statement, the Defence Minister commented on his communication with President Rumen Radev. “I have always tried to keep the balance and bon ton in relations between institutions,” Zapryanov said. “However, the presidential institution is attempting to act as a shadow of the Ministry of Defence,” the Minister said. He added that he and the Ministry he leads adhere to the powers and responsibilities assigned by the Constitution. “I also expect the President, as Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to adhere to his powers and stop politicizing the implementation of the F-16 contract,” the Minister said.

According to Zapryanov, Bulgaria’s army is modernizing at an accelerated pace. He noted the raise in salaries. “In the past 30 years, there has not been a more constructive period in all types of armed forces,” the Minister said. “All this was planned and carried out when the GERB political party was in power,” he noted. As an example, Zapryanov pointed to the program for the development of the armed forces by 2032 and for defence investments, as well as the already signed modernization contracts, "supported by the National Assembly during the governments with the mandate of the GERB political party."

Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said during Question Time in Parliament that the F-16 Block 70 fighter jet delivered to Bulgaria from the US is air- an combat-worthy. The Prime Minister was commenting on the situation with the newly delivered aircraft, which has been at the centre of a political controversy since May 2 over a technical issue.