President Radev met with F-16 manufacturers Lockheed Martin

Bulgaria's ambition is that the process of modernisation of the Armed Forces should not be limited to the purchase of defence equipment and machinery, but should lead to technology transfer that will stimulate Bulgarian defence science and industry. This is what President Rumen Radev said at a meeting at the Presidency with representatives of the American company Lockheed Martin on July 4.

The Head of State stressed that industrial cooperation and technology exchange stimulate high added value industries and create prospects for a long-term and sustainable partnership.

Rumen Radev called for solutions to prevent Bulgaria from losing defence capabilities after the expiration of the MiG-29 fighter jets' flying resources, given the announced delay in the delivery of the F-16 Block 70 fighter jets purchased by our country.

Lockheed Martin representatives assured that the company is working hard to restore the production line after the difficulties caused by the pandemic. They also expressed their readiness to support the Bulgarian Air Force with expertise to build the necessary ground equipment and to maintain the F-16 fighter jets.