Final talks on Bulgaria’s F-16 fighter jets acquisition will be held next week

The final negotiations on the purchase of F-16 fighter aircrafts will take place next week, Bulgaria’s Defence Minister Krassimir Karakachanov announced on June 21.

A US delegation will visit Bulgaria at the end of next week for final talks on Bulgaria’s proposed acquisition of eight F-16 fighter aircrafts for the Bulgarian Army, he said.

According to Karakachanov, talks on new aircraft continue on schedule. There may only be a delay due to staff changes in the US administration. Karakachanov expects a meeting with the US Secretary of Defence next week.

Bulgaria chose American fighter jet F-16. According to the initial offer, the price for eight aircrafts will be BGN 2.2 billion. Since the sum is not allocated in the state budget this year, the Ministry of Finance plans to increase the level of government debt to finance the deal.

So far, the ministry has issued 300,000 BGN of bonds. According to the stipulated texts in the state budget, the maximum debt that the state can take is up to BGN 1 billion.