site.btaDefence Ministry Unable to Provide Specific Dates, Timeframes for When Remaining F-16 Fighters Will Arrive from US

The Ministry of Defence is unable to provide specific dates or timeframes for when the remaining six F-16 Block 70 fighter jets will arrive in Bulgaria, due to the complex and lengthy nature of flight planning from the United States. This explanation was given by Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov in response to a question Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria MP Ivaylo Mirchev. The response was published on the National Assembly’s website.

The MP asked for the exact schedule according to which the remaining six aircraft are expected to arrive by the end of the year, as well as an update on the progress of infrastructure construction and the deployment of a simulator for pilot training.

The Minister explained that planning the flights of Bulgaria’s F-16 Block 70 aircraft from the U.S. to Bulgaria is a complex and time-consuming process, involving various structures within the U.S. Air Force and NATO member countries. Some of the key requirements considered when scheduling flights include the need to maintain a constant fuel reserve during transatlantic flight and the ability to form a group of aircraft that will fly together from the U.S. to Europe.

He added that U.S. Air Force aircraft capable of in-flight refueling are limited in number and are used intensively to support transatlantic operations. If the U.S. Air Force needs to carry out priority missions, all planned flights for allied or partner countries can be rescheduled or canceled, Zapryanov stated.

Bulgaria received the first two F-16 Block 70 jets in April and June. Under the 2019 contract, the country is expected to receive a total of eight aircraft by the end of 2025. The Bulgarian Air Force is expected to have a full squadron of F-16 Block 70s by the end of 2027, when eight more jets are expected to be delivered under a second contract.