At an official ceremony to welcome the first Bulgarian F-16 Block 70 fighter jet at the 3rd Air Base in Graf Ignatievo, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov pointed out that the new plane symbolizes the ideological change that began in 2019.

“This wonderful combat aircraft is a symbol of the strategic partnership we have with the United States,” said the Prime Minister, adding that it was an extraordinary honor for him to attend the event at which the aircraft became part of the Air Force, the Bulgarian airspace and our national sovereignty.

Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov said that without rearming the army, the country would not be adequately prepared for modern threats. “We will try to make the most of the EU plan for rearming Europe,” he added.

According to the Minister, the modernization of the armed forces will require expenditures of up to 3% of GDP.

• President Radev: The delivery of F-16s is just the beginning of the political commitment to the Bulgarian Air Force