site.btaF-16s to Assume Combat Duty Once Pilots Are Ready, All Equipment under Contract with US Is Delivered - Air Force Commander

The F-16 fighter jets will support the protection of Bulgaria’s airspace once the pilots are ready to assume duty and everything under the 2019 contract with the United States has been delivered, Major General Nikolay Rusev, Commander of the Bulgarian Air Force (BAF), said in an interview with the Bulgarian News Agency on the occasion of October 16, Aviation and Air Force Day.

F-16 Block 70 fighter jets

So far, Bulgaria has received four F-16 Block 70 aircraft – two two-seaters and two single-seaters, Major General Rusev recalled. “I expect two more aircraft to be delivered very soon, and by the end of the year the total should reach eight,” he said, adding that that would complete all deliveries under the first contract.

Bulgaria has six pilots trained to fly F-16s. Only two are qualified to fly Bulgaria’s F-16 variant, he added, stressing the need for combat training aircraft that would enable the remaining four pilots to transition to this model. “In the United States, they flew an older variant of the F-16, so in Bulgaria they must complete several flights on our F-16 Block 70s before they can operate the combat aircraft independently,” Major General Rusev said. 

Of the four aircraft already in Bulgaria, one has been accepted into service, Rusev noted, adding that the two most recent ones that arrived are still undergoing the acceptance process, which is relatively lengthy. In addition to the technical acceptance, this process requires at least one flight to be carried out for each aircraft. This is currently underway, he added.

Bulgarian Air Force personnel

Major General Rusev said that the Bulgarian Air Force currently faces the largest personnel shortfall among officers, at around 20%. “Certainly, interest among young people is increasing as they see what is happening in the Armed Forces and the social policies being pursued,” he noted.

As of January 1, 2025, the basis for calculating the lowest basic salary for servicepersons is determined annually based on the average national salary for the second quarter of the previous year, according to a Parliament's decision of April 2024.

“With such pay, a military career becomes quite attractive. At the same time, many people who do not have a realistic idea of their own capabilities apply to become career persons and fail the entrance exams. We have standards that we intend to maintain, and under no circumstances will we allow a lowering of the criteria for recruitment of personnel in the Air Force,” Rusev said.

Bulgaria's airspace and countering drones

Rusev was adamant that Bulgaria’s airspace has not been violated over the past year. “There have been instances of lost radio contact with civilian aircraft flying in Bulgarian airspace. In such cases, either the communication was restored, or our fighter jets intercepted the aircraft, which then left the country’s territory without causing any issues. The aircraft followed its flight plan as filed,” he added.

He participated in the annual meeting of NATO Air Force commanders in early October, the BAF said earlier this month. The meeting covered the overall command and control system, procedures for responding to airspace violations by unmanned aerial vehicles, and measures to facilitate interception of such targets during cross-border operations.

“This is a serious problem, and analyses are currently being done. There is no system that can provide 100% protection against combat drones. If we talk about commercial drones available in stores, there are companies developing such systems, but those are not sufficient for our needs,” Rusev said.

In his words, Bulgaria has capabilities to counter drones, including surface-to-air missile systems, fighter jets, and helicopters, which are being equipped to counter drones. “The question is whether we will respond in an adequate way,” Rusev said, suggesting that launching a missile costing USD 1.5 million at a drone worth two to three thousand dollars would hardly be sensible. A balance will certainly be found, he noted, adding that NATO is working on this issue, and the problem will be resolved soon. 

Firefighting capabilities

The Bulgarian Air Force has Mi-17 and Cougar helicopters equipped with firefighting systems, Rusev said.

“We also have trained crews capable of using the firefighting system on the Spartan aircraft. This system can be used with some limitations, as it requires maintaining specific flight speeds and releasing water containers from certain altitudes. Next year, we will increase the number of helicopters that can participate in firefighting, and we can deploy the Spartan aircraft if requested,” said. ”I hope that next year at least eight helicopters will be ready join the firefighting efforts,” Rusev added.

Challenges ahead of the Bulgarian Air Force

“The most important challenge is to preserve the capabilities we currently have and to work hard on mastering the F-16. We need to ensure continuity and make a smooth, safe, and effective transition from the fighters currently fulfilling combat alert duties to the F-16. This will not happen in a month, two, or a year. It will take longer,” Rusev said. “Our primary priority remains the health and safety of our personnel,” he added.

October 16

October 16 marks the anniversary of the first-ever military reconnaissance flight in Bulgarian aviation history and in Europe (1912), conducted under real combat conditions during the Balkan War (1912–1913). In addition to reconnaissance of enemy forces, the mission included the first aerial bombardment in Europe under actual frontline conditions. The pilot, Lieutenant Radul Milkov, and Lieutenant Prodan Tarakchiev flew an Albatros aircraft over the Edirne fortress, scouting enemy reserves and dropping two hand grenades over the Karaagac station, according to the BTA Reference Department.