Over 234 Million Leva Allocated for Urgent Construction at Graf Ignatievo Airport

Sofia, Bulgaria – The Bulgarian Ministry of Defense has allocated over 234.3 million leva (excluding VAT) for four urgent construction and installation contracts at Graf Ignatievo Airport.

The selected companies for the projects include “GBS – Infrastructure Construction,” “Glavbolgarstroy,” and “GP Group” AD. The contracts were awarded under an exception to the Public Procurement Act, citing national security considerations.

The largest portion of the funding—approximately 108.43 million leva—will be used for constructing 16 aircraft shelters, alongside maneuvering areas, taxiways, and service roads. Three of the contracts also include a 10% contingency in their total value.

According to the Ministry of Defense, the companies were chosen based on the “most economically advantageous offer” criterion. The decision to accelerate the work at the military airbase was made in October 2024 to mitigate previous delays in the site’s overall preparation.

It remains unclear whether the newly allocated 234.3 million leva is separate from the 300 million leva previously assigned to construction efforts at Graf Ignatievo.

The Ministry first invited companies to participate in the development in October 2023, and this is the first time since the project’s announcement in 2022 that the names of the selected firms have been publicly disclosed.

Delays and Financial Challenges

Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov addressed the issue in response to a parliamentary inquiry from MP Ivaylo Mirchev.

Zapryanov acknowledged that previous defense ministers faced significant challenges with the project, particularly concerning bankruptcies of some of the initially contracted companies.

In some cases, these companies had received full advance payments before ceasing operations, leading to further setbacks in construction.

Zapryanov also warned that any further delays in completing the military airport infrastructure could result in additional expenses for Bulgaria, as the country might be forced to store its newly acquired F-16 fighter jets abroad.

The first two F-16 aircraft are expected to arrive in Bulgaria at the end of March and in April, while the remaining six from the initial batch of eight are scheduled for delivery by the end of September.

Strategic Importance of Graf Ignatievo Airport

The construction and modernization of Graf Ignatievo Airport are crucial for Bulgaria’s defense strategy, particularly as the country integrates its new fleet of F-16 Block 70 fighter jets into NATO’s defense framework.

The Bulgarian Air Force is undergoing a significant transition from its aging Soviet-era aircraft to modern Western-built fighter jets, necessitating the upgrade of military infrastructure to accommodate the advanced technology and operational needs of the new fleet.

The Bulgarian government has repeatedly emphasized that the upgrades to Graf Ignatievo Airport are essential to ensuring the operational readiness of the F-16s upon their arrival.

However, concerns persist over the total cost of the project, the potential for further delays, and whether additional funds will be required beyond what has already been allocated.

With the first deliveries of the F-16s fast approaching, all eyes are on the progress at Graf Ignatievo Airport, as any further disruptions could have significant financial and strategic implications for Bulgaria’s defense capabilities.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members