Bulgaria has no confirmed delivery schedule for the remaining six F-16 Block 70 fighter jets it has ordered from the United States, Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov said in a written response to MP Ivaylo Mirchev.
According to the minister, the delivery depends on the U.S. Air Force and NATO partners. He cited logistical challenges, including the need to maintain an in-flight fuel reserve for transatlantic flights and the formation of ferry groups. The U.S. reportedly has a limited number of aircraft capable of refuelling the jets mid-air over the ocean, making planning more complex.
Bulgaria received its first two F-16s in April and June. Under the initial contract, six more jets are expected by the end of 2025. An additional eight, under a second contract, are scheduled for delivery by end-2027.
Former Prime Minister Ivan Kostov criticised the process at a recent forum, calling Bulgaria’s reliance on supplier timelines rather than military needs a "critical vulnerability." The original delivery date for the first batch was set for 2023 but was postponed by nearly two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Editor: Miglena Ivanova
Posted in English by E. Radkova
We want to buy a system that has maximum protection against drones. This does not mean that it has a mechanical effect on the drone, but at least that it has some electromagnetic or blocking control of the device. This was explained to BNT by Maj. Gen...
Slovak Ambassador Vasil Grivna was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over official statements made by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini during his visit to Skopje on October 14. There were unacceptable assessments made..
On behalf of the Head of State Rumen Radev, Vice President Iliana Iotova presented the Order of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, first degree, to Professor Ma Sipu, the press office of the president reported. The award was presented at..
Bulgaria, Greece and Romania have finalized a memorandum for joint cooperation on new transport projects, said European Commissioner for..
Suspicions of large-scale fraud with EU funds in a project to build a mussel farm in the Black Sea – southeast of Cape Emine in the..
On Tuesday , the lowest temperatures will be between 2 and 7°C. In the valleys and high fields the temperature can drop to minus 2°C;..
+359 2 9336 661