Bulgarian parliament approves deal to buy 8 additional F-16 Block 70

Bulgarian lawmakers have voted to approve the purchase of eight F-16C/D Block 70 fighter jets for the country’s Air Force, the acquisition is to be worth close to $1.3 billion.

The Minstry of defence said that the first F-16 deal from 2019 lacked sufficient weapons, air-to-ground missiles, and precision weapons for the aircraft.

Under the second contract, the plan is to have additional spare engines, additional radar stations, additional containers for targeting, and additional weapons delivered.

Bulgaria’s military would not be able to protect the country’s airspace after 2023 when its outdated Soviet-designed Mikoyan MiG 29 fighters are to be withdrawn from service.

The first eight F-16 Block 70 fighter jets that will arrive in 2025.

With this air power gap in mind, Bulgaria disclosed it had requested fighter jet lease offers from four countries to secure its air-combat capabilities until the first eight American F-16s become operational in 2027 or 2028. Bulgaria’s seeks to evaluate offers from the United States, France, Sweden and Israel, with France and Sweden having submitted their replies.

defensenews