I agreed to remain a minister in the regular cabinet of Rosen Zhelyazkov, because that way I can finish the things I started as an official. In addition, this year is key for the rearmament of the army.
This was stated to NOVA by Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov.
“This is the 22nd position in my entire career in the army”, the defense minister added.
He called the receipt of the first F-16 Block 70 aircraft in the United States “a historic moment for our country”. “There was a curtain when we entered the hangar. I couldn't imagine that behind it was the plane”, did not hide the excitement that the relevant minister experienced during the ceremony of handing over the machine. According to him, Bulgaria's new combat aircraft will be the most modern in the Balkans. After that, Greece is about to receive a newer one. Zapryanov admitted that he is hopeful that the Bulgarian Army will be able to operate the fighter smoothly, because the military personnel who are training in the US are very motivated.
„They reported to me that the infrastructure in our country is already ready to welcome the first two F-16 aircraft. There is no obstacle from this point of view for the machines to arrive”, the minister emphasized.