Image source: topwar.ru
Sale of 8 F-16C/D for the army air forces had the support of the legislature of Bulgaria. The contract value is estimated at 1.3 billion dollars. National Assembly of Bulgaria voted for the purchase of American fighters with a majority of 162 votes, with 49 voted against and 11 abstentions from voting.
In accordance with the terms of the contract, the first batch of aircraft Sofia needs to get in 2025, the second party in 2027. This was reported in the published statement of the head of the Ministry of defense of Dimitar Stoyanov.
In the first deal for F-16 fighter jets from 2019, as noted Stoyanov, not enough weapons, including missiles of class "air-air". Under the second contract Bulgaria expects the acquisition of spare engines, radar stations, additional weapons.
The Minister of defence of Bulgaria Stoyanov said that after 2023 Bulgarian aviation will not be able to protect the country's airspace, as older MiG-29 Soviet production removed from service in connection with the expiration of service.
Stoyanov also stressed that the first eight F-16 Block 70 is not enough to solve the task of protecting the airspace of Bulgaria. Therefore, the military is going to rent planes from four countries to the moment will not be commissioned American fighters. We are talking about the lease aircraft from the United States, France, Sweden or Israel.
Currently, the air force Bulgaria comprised of 12 MiG-29, 4 educational MiG-29UB, 14 su-25 and su-25УБК. Actually, this is all the combat potential of the Bulgarian air force, with the exception of transport aircraft and helicopters. Of course, what to talk about any serious role of the air force in the defence of the country the aircraft is not necessary.
