The first F-16 Block 70 aircraft for the Bulgarian army landed today at Graf Ignatievo air base.

Before landing, it flew past the renewed multipurpose runway, renovated for the new fighter aircraft – the only runway in the country suited to these aircraft – as a salute to all attendees. The Bulgarian F-16 fighter jet flew in from a Spanish air base, where it landed on Monday alongside two fighter aircraft destined for Slovakia. One more F-16 should arrive in the country in April, and the remaining 6 aircraft from the first contract – by the end of the year. The aircraft are arriving in Bulgaria almost 2 years after the initial delivery deadline. This is the first purchase of new fighter aircraft for the Bulgarian army in around 35 years.

The second consignment of 8 such aircraft is expected by 2027.