The Bulgarian Ministry of Defence has announced that two more F-16 Block 70 fighter jets ordered from the United States have been delivered to the country. The aircraft landed at Graf Ignatievo Air Base near Plovdiv. Thus, six of the eight aircraft covered by the first agreement between the Bulgarian Air Force and the United States have now been officially delivered.
At the delivery ceremony, Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov stated that the process was proceeding according to the plans agreed with the U.S. government, saying: “The first four aircraft have been delivered, and now we have two more. By the end of this year, we will receive the remaining two aircraft and complete the first contract for eight.”
Minister Zapryanov also emphasised that the first phase of the F-16 programme is expected to be completed in early 2026, marking a significant milestone in the modernisation of Bulgaria’s air force. “Under a new agreement with the United States, the acceptance process and test flights for the second batch of aircraft will begin after this date,” he said.
The ceremony was also attended by Air Force Commander Major General Nikolay Rusev, Acting Commander of the Third Air Base Colonel Metodi Orlov, and representatives of the U.S. mission.
The Ministry of Defence reported that the equipment, systems, and training infrastructure delivered along with the aircraft are being rapidly developed. Numerous projects are being carried out at Graf Ignatievo Base, including the pilot training simulator building. Zapryanov stated, “When I took office, only one of the 49 infrastructure contracts had been completed. Currently, 17 contracts are active, and several others are under review.”
The newly arrived two F-16 Block 70s are single-seat combat-configured aircraft that will undergo technical acceptance and testing procedures.
According to the Ministry of Defence, Bulgaria will receive all eight aircraft under the current agreement by the end of 2025. With the completion of the second contract, the country’s total F-16 fleet will reach 16 aircraft.
