SOn Wednesday, April 2, 2025, Bulgaria welcomed the arrival of the first of 16 new F-16 fighter jets from the United States at the Graf Ignatievo airbase in central Bulgaria.
This delivery marks a significant step forward in Bulgaria’s efforts to modernize its military and align its defense capabilities with NATO standards.
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov was present to greet the arrival of the jet, which he described as “not just a fighter jet, but a symbol and embodiment of Bulgaria’s strategic partnership with the United States.”
He added that the arrival represented a fresh perspective and new opportunities for Bulgaria’s military.
The purchase of the F-16s was part of a contract signed in 2019, which saw Bulgaria commit to buying eight multi-role F-16 Block 70 aircraft for $1.3 billion.
Although the original plan was for the first jets to arrive by 2023, delays due to the coronavirus pandemic postponed the delivery until now.
In 2022, Bulgaria furthered its partnership with the U.S., securing a second batch of eight more F-16s from Lockheed Martin, which are expected by the end of 2027.
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Bulgaria, a NATO member since 2004, had long relied on a fleet of aging Soviet-made MiG-29 jets, but financial constraints had hindered the country’s ability to update its air force.
The new F-16s will bolster Bulgaria’s air policing obligations within the NATO alliance, especially as tensions continue to rise in Eastern Europe due to Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
