Instead of Soviet junk: Bulgaria receives its first F-16D
The Bulgarian Air Force has received its first F-16D (V) Block 70 fighter jet, which means that the renewal of combat aircraft has begun after a 35-year break.
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The Bulgarian Ministry of Defence released a photo of the aircraft, and the acceptance ceremony took place at the Graf Ignatievo airbase. Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said that this opens up new opportunities for the army, strengthens its potential and helps train a new generation of pilots and engineers.
The delivered F-16D Block 70 is the first of 16 aircraft to be delivered to Bulgaria under the 2018 and 2022 contracts. They will replace the outdated MiG-29s. The second contract is worth US$1.3 billion, including training and technical support.
The arrival of the first Bulgarian F-16D (V). Illustration: Bulgarian Ministry of Defence
The delivery was originally expected in 2023-2024, but was postponed, forcing Bulgaria to continue operating the MiG-29 and repairing its engines in Poland.
The F-16V Block 70 will expand the number of operators of this type of aircraft in Europe, which will improve cooperation between NATO countries and strengthen the defence of the Alliance's eastern flank. Bulgaria has also ordered weapons and a technical package to support the new fighters.
Source: Facebook
