Full First Batch of F-16 Fighter Jets for the Bulgarian Air Force Presented at an Official Ceremony

The official ceremony for the presentation of the eight F-16 Block 70 fighter jets procured under Bulgaria’s first contract with the United States has begun at the Third Air Base near the village of Graf Ignatievo. The aircraft are now part of the Bulgarian Air Force’s operational fleet.

Days ago, the final two aircraft from the first delivery batch arrived in Bulgaria, bringing the total number of F-16 Block 70 jets in service with the Bulgarian Air Force to eight.

The new F-16 Block 70 aircraft were unveiled at the same location where the arrival of the first multirole fighter was marked in April. Within eight months this year, the contract between Bulgaria and the United States has been fulfilled. Two of the aircraft remained in the hangar for today’s ceremony, while the remaining six were positioned near the runway at the air base. All aircraft bear the insignia and tail numbers of the Bulgarian Air Force.

Bulgaria received 8 F-16 Block 70 aircraft under contract.

Under the contract, Bulgaria received a total of eight F-16 Block 70 fighter jets.

Admiral Emil Eftimov, Chief of Defence of the Republic of Bulgaria:
“We have waited a long time for this moment—to bring into service modern equipment with a wide range of capabilities and significant added value for the defence capabilities of the Republic of Bulgaria. I have often stressed that there were periods in the past that did not inspire optimism, but this year, for me as Chief of Defence, for the military leadership, for the commanders of the armed services and for every serviceman in the Bulgarian Army, the situation is changing fundamentally.”

Atanas Zapryanov, outgoing Minister of Defence:
“You have an excellent aircraft. Use it, as you always have, with wisdom and heart—well prepared, inspired, and on your way.”