Bulgaria's first F-16 has landed at the third fighter air Base in Graf Ignatievo, marking a significant milestone in a transformative upgrade in Bulgaria’s aerial warfare capabilities and replace the ageing fleet of Russian-made combat aircrafts
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov hailed the arrival of the first jet at the Graf Ignatievo air base in central Bulgaria.
“This is not just a fighter jet, but a symbol and embodiment of Bulgaria’s strategic partnership with the United States … a partnership that offers a new perspective for the Bulgarian Army,” the prime minister said.
The F-16 had departed the Lockheed Martin assembly facility in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 31.En route, a Tennessee State Air National Guard KC-135 tanker provided aerial refueling, with representatives from the Tennessee National Guard—Bulgaria's counterpart in the State Partnership Program—on board the tanker.
The F-16 Block 70 aircraft is the most advanced F-16 ever produced, featuring advanced, industry-leading radar technology, cutting edge avionics, and the most modern safety equipment. Of the 28 nations that operate the F-16, including 11 NATO Allies, Bulgaria is one of only four whose fleets will include this latest-generation variant.
The F-16 will facilitate full interoperability with NATO air policing operations and offers multi-mission capability to the Bulgarian Air Force as it undertakes its role of defending the nation’s territory and citizens.
Bulgaria will receive additional deliveries throughout the year.
Bulgaria contracted to buy eight multi-role F-16 Block 70 aircraft in July 2019 for $1.3 billion. Plans initially called for the first planes to arrive in Bulgaria in 2023, but the coronavirus pandemic delayed their delivery.
In 2022, the Bulgarian government signed a contract with American aerospace company Lockheed Martin for a second batch of another eight of the F-16 fighter jets by the end of 2027.
As part of the U.S. government’s commitment to ensuring Bulgaria’s successful deployment of the aircraft, the U.S. Air Force will provide intensive training services over multiple years to assist the Bulgarian Air Force F-16 pilot, maintenance, and handling crews develop their mastery of the advanced fighter. U.S. Air Force specialists from the 31st Fighter Wing in Aviano, Italy, will also maintain regular contact with their Bulgarian counterparts to ensure the Bulgarian Air Force is equipped to optimize the aircraft’s performance.
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UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has suggested that the government may consider Chinese investment in British Steel, but he emphasized that any such bids would be subject to thorough scrutiny, particularly due to national security and economic concerns.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday and declared "unwavering" support for Ukraine in the aftermath of a deadly Russian attack in the north of the country.
Satellite images have revealed that North Korea is constructing what could be its largest and most advanced warship to date, potentially more than double the size of any vessel previously built by the regime.
With centuries of silence behind them and global momentum finally on their side, Caribbean leaders say the time for polite conversations about slavery reparations has passed, and, the era of demands has begun.
UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has suggested that the government may consider Chinese investment in British Steel, but he emphasized that any such bids would be subject to thorough scrutiny, particularly due to national security and economic concerns.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday and declared "unwavering" support for Ukraine in the aftermath of a deadly Russian attack in the north of the country.
Satellite images have revealed that North Korea is constructing what could be its largest and most advanced warship to date, potentially more than double the size of any vessel previously built by the regime.
Mount Paektu, an active stratovolcano straddling the border of North Korea and China, has been officially designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark. This recognition, which marks North Korea’s first natural site on the prestigious list,highlights the mountain’s significant natural and cultural heritage.
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