TSAMTO, October 12. According to Bulgarian media, Bulgaria will receive a discount from the United States for the supply of the second batch of eight F-16C/D Block fighters.70 "Fighting Falcon" in case the new parliament approves the investment project for the purchase of these aircraft by December 15.
The proposed discount is $24.4 million – this is the cost of the ordered AIM-9X Block guided missiles.2 "Sidewinder". Former Defense Minister Dragomir Zakov also agreed on a discount under the contract, arguing that it was provided by the need to compensate for the delay in the delivery of the first eight F-16s. The American side agreed to the free supply of missiles. However, the US offer will be valid only until December 15, when the deadline for the supply of the second batch of aircraft expires.
Initially, the proposal for the supply of aircraft was valid until November 1, but due to the lack of a functioning parliament, the Bulgarian Armed Forces agreed with the American side to postpone it until December 15. Further, prices may change due to inflation. In addition, the manufacturer can make modifications to the design of the fighter that will require a revision of the cost.
Early parliamentary elections were held in Bulgaria on October 2. Bulgarian President Rumen Radev announced his intention to hold the first working session of the 48th National Assembly on October 19. Thus, the parliament has enough time to consider the issue. Currently, the political parties that have entered the legislature are holding consultations with a view to forming a parliamentary majority and a new government.
If the National Assembly approves the government's proposal by December 15, all 16 fighters will be delivered to the country's Air Force by the end of 2027. The cost of the second batch of 8 cars is estimated at 2.6 billion. lev. They will be paid under three contracts – $1.3 billion for the aircraft themselves, $24.4 million for the AIM-9X Block guided missiles.2 and $3.7 million for radio communications. Unlike the purchase of the first batch, this time the payment for the aircraft will be stretched for 9 years.
As reported by TSAMTO, the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense transferred $ 1.2 billion to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), intended for the purchase of the first 8 fighters, on August 8, 2019. They were supposed to be delivered in mid-2023, and the full delivery will be completed by 2024. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the schedule was disrupted. It is now expected that deliveries will begin in 2025, and initial readiness for combat use will be achieved in 2026.
In April 2022, the US State Department approved the potential supply to Bulgaria under the Foreign Military Sales program of 8 additional F-16C/D Block.70 fighter jets, F110-GE-129D engines, AN/APG-83 active antenna array radar with electronic scanning, 7000AH modular onboard computers, weapons and related equipment. As stated, the total cost of the order may amount to $ 1.673 billion.
The Bulgarian government approved financing for the purchase of additional F-16C/D on September 21, 2022. The total cost of three contracts for the supply of eight additional F-16C/D Block.70 is $1.296 billion. In addition to fighters, the purchase package includes air-to-surface and air-to-air weapons. It is expected that the delivery will be completed in 2027.
