It is, as yet, unclear how long the delivery of the US F-16 fighter aircraft will be delayed. Bulgaria’s Defence Minister Stefan Yanev told reporters that the concrete deadline is a matter of negotiation and inter-governmental talks with the US. According to Minister Yanev, this concerns Bulgaria’s organization and planning, including pre-planning of who is going to carry out this task before the arrival of the aircraft.

• Delivery of F-16 fighter aircraft to Bulgaria to be delayed
  

Yesterday, Minister Yanev met with representatives of the company Lockheed Martin to discuss the delay in the military aircraft deal. Regarding the option of assuming the air policing of North Macedonia’s airspace, Stefan Yanev commented that at the moment this task was being carried out by the Greek air force.  If the need arises, an additional agreement can be concluded and carried out by Bulgaria, Minister Yanev added.