Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

PM Rosen Zhelyazkov: The first F-16 is a symbol of ideological change

Photo: BTA

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.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Bulgaria seeks South Korean cooperation on new nuclear projects, energy minister says

Bulgaria wants to continue investing in nuclear energy after more than 50 years of experience in the sector, Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov said on Wednesday. About 70% of Bulgarians support the move, Stankov told a Bulgarian-Korean energy..

published on 10/30/25 2:04 PM

Swiss Gunvor Group may acquire Lukoil's Burgas-based refinery in package deal with the Russian company

The Russian oil company Lukoil has announced that it has accepted an offer from the Swiss Gunvor Group to acquire the international assets of LUKOIL International GmbH . Lukoil's subsidiary owns all of the group's assets abroad. Lukoil has..

published on 10/30/25 11:40 AM

GERB leader supports resignation of anti-mafia commission chief

MPs elected GERB's Kostadin Angelov as deputy speaker of parliament. 132 MPs voted "for", 53 voted "against" and 11 abstained. Angelov replaces GERB's Raya Nazaryan, who was elected speaker of parliament after previous parliamentary speaker Natalia..

published on 10/30/25 10:30 AM