Bulgaria's first F-16 malfunctions immediately upon arrival and cannot take off
One of the newest F-16 Block 70 fighter jets delivered to Bulgaria in early April is currently inoperable due to a technical malfunction discovered after landing. The aircraft is awaiting delivery of the necessary spare parts from the United States.
Here's What We Know
According to the Commander of the Bulgarian Air Force, Major General Nikolay Rusev, during flight tests as part of the acceptance of the first Bulgarian F-16, a malfunction was detected in one of the systems. The malfunction was detected after the aircraft landed in Bulgaria, but it is unclear whether it occurred during the flight or on the ground. Rusev stressed that this does not mean that the aircraft is defective.
Former Defence Minister and current presidential defence adviser Dimitar Stoyanov clarified that the problem was a faulty unit that was not part of the original spare parts package. According to him, Bulgaria chose a cheaper contract configuration without fast logistics, rejecting Lockheed Martin's offer of round-the-clock component delivery, which led to the shortage of critical parts.
Bulgaria's first F-16 Block 70. Illustration: Bulgarian Ministry of Defence
Acceptance of the aircraft is still ongoing. The procedure involves two stages - technical acceptance and flight testing with at least two flights with the participation of a Bulgarian pilot. The aircraft will not be put into operational service until both stages are completed.
The Defence Minister said that Bulgaria is already in talks with the US to supply the missing parts and guarantee technical support.
The faulty F-16 is a two-seat combat trainer. Its delay automatically delays the start of training for Bulgarian pilots. Another seven aircraft from the first contract are due to arrive by the end of 2025. The second contract provides for the delivery of eight more fighters by 2027, so the country plans to form a full squadron.
Source: Novinite
