Bulgaria receives the first F-16: a step towards modernization and integration with NATO

 

F-16

Bulgaria received the first of 16 new F-16 military aircraft from the United States on Wednesday. This is an important step in modernizing the country's defense and bringing its air force in line with NATO standards. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov welcomed the arrival of the first aircraft at the Graf Ignatievo airbase in central Bulgaria. He stressed that this aircraft is not just military equipment, but a symbol of the strategic partnership between Bulgaria and the United States.

Bulgaria has signed a contract for the purchase of eight multirole F-16 Block 70 in 2019 for $ 1.3 billion. The second batch of eight aircraft will be delivered by the end of 2027. These aircraft will replace the aging Soviet MiG-29s that Bulgaria has operated for many years. The F-16 Block 70 is the most modern version of this aircraft, equipped with advanced radar technology, electronics and security systems. This will allow the Bulgarian military to fully integrate with NATO's air patrol operations.

The arrival of the first F-16 in Bulgaria also marks the beginning of a new stage in military cooperation between Sofia and Washington. American military specialists will train Bulgarian pilots, technicians and maintenance personnel to work with the new aircraft. This collaboration will last for several years to ensure full mastery of the new technology.

Bulgaria joined NATO in 2004 and has since sought to modernize its military aviation. In the current geopolitical situation, when NATO countries are actively supporting Ukraine, the modernization of the Bulgarian air force is an important contribution to collective security.