The modernization of the Bulgarian army, including our air force, is a priority for the Bulgarian government. We highly value our partnership with the United States of America in this direction. This was stated by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov at a meeting with the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for NATO and European Affairs David Baker before an official ceremony welcoming the first Bulgarian F-16 Block 70 fighter jet at the Third Air Base in Graf Ignatievo.
During the meeting, Zhelyazkov and Baker discussed the strategic partnership between Bulgaria and the United States and in particular - cooperation in the field of defense and security. The two united around the understanding that investments in defense are investments in the future.
Prime Minister Zhelyazkov pointed out that with the acquisition of the F-16 Block 70, Bulgaria receives new opportunities to modernize its armed forces and increase interoperability with our allies. Zhelyazkov recalled that during the first term of US President Donald Trump, the government with Prime Minister Boyko Borisov concluded the contract for the acquisition of the first 8 F-16 Block 70 aircraft. According to the work plans of the US Air Force and the aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin Aeronautics (LM Aero), the first 8 F-16 Block 70 aircraft should arrive in Bulgaria by the end of 2025, the second 8 are expected by the end of 2027.
David Baker, for his part, noted that the administration of President Trump appreciates the efforts of our country to modernize the armed forces, a symbol of which is the first aircraft of the F-16 Block 70 squadron. Baker pointed out that the fighters bring new capabilities to the Bulgarian army and are essential for compatibility with NATO. According to Baker, the implementation of the project is also an expression of friendship between Bulgaria and the United States.