site.btaBulgaria, US Discuss Armed Forces Modernization, Strategic Partnership

Bulgaria and the United States discussed the modernization of the Bulgarian Armed Forces, the acceleration of joint defence projects and the strategic bilateral partnership during a videoconference on Friday between Bulgarian Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov and William J. Cappelletti Jr., US Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Europe and NATO Policy. Chief of Defence Admiral Emil Eftimov and Deputy Defence Minister Lyubomir Monov also took part in the talks, the Defence Ministry reported.

A key focus was on the modernization of the Bulgarian Armed Forces and speeding up joint projects. The participants discussed possibilities for faster completion of the remaining activities under the first contract for the acquisition of F-16 Block 70 aircraft, as well as the implementation of the second contract for eight more fighter jets for the Bulgarian Air Force.

Stoyanov said that the Defence Ministry is seeking alternative solutions to secure additional aircraft to carry out the tasks related to protecting Bulgaria's airspace. He also raised the possibility of providing second-hand F-16 aircraft and accelerating the delivery of the second batch of eight aircraft.

The US side confirmed its readiness to assist in accelerating joint projects and developing Bulgaria's defence capabilities.