Sofia, Bulgaria – Bulgaria’s Minister of Defence, Atanas Zapryanov, has refuted reports of a scandal involving the country’s newly acquired F-16 fighter jets, stating that the issue lies in a technical misunderstanding rather than operational failure.
In an interview with Nova TV on Wednesday, Zapryanov emphasized that a faulty component, referred to as a “block,” has already been secured and will soon be replaced, ensuring the aircraft’s full operational readiness.
“There is no scandal. The situation with the F-16s is under control. It’s simply a technical part that needs replacing, and it has already been procured,” Minister Zapryanov explained.
He assured the public that this issue does not affect the airworthiness of the fighter jets and that Bulgaria remains on track with its plans to integrate the aircraft into active duty.
The clarification comes amid swirling media reports suggesting problems with the country’s defence modernization efforts, particularly concerning the U.S.-made F-16 Block 70 fighter jets.
Bulgaria has ordered a total of 16 of the advanced jets in a deal worth over $2 billion, with the first deliveries expected in 2025.
The program is a key part of Bulgaria’s strategy to phase out its aging Soviet-era MiG-29s and modernize its air force in line with NATO standards.
In a separate but equally pressing issue, Defence Minister Zapryanov also addressed concerns over what some Bulgarians perceived as a covert military mobilization.
Reports emerged earlier this week that reservists across the country were receiving draft notices, raising alarm on social media and prompting speculation about an impending security crisis.
Zapryanov dismissed these rumors as a misinterpretation of routine administrative procedures related to military registration.
“This is not a mobilization,” he stated. “It’s about the military registration of Bulgarian citizens who have previously undergone military training. Each district maintains a register, and people periodically receive updates or notices related to their status. These are not call-ups to active duty but standard documentation procedures.”
The minister’s statement was intended to dispel panic, particularly in the context of growing regional tensions and ongoing conflicts near Eastern Europe’s borders.
Bulgaria, as a NATO member, participates in alliance operations and maintains a commitment to collective defence, but there is currently no indication that the country is preparing for military engagement.
Experts have backed the Ministry’s explanation, noting that military registration is a standard peacetime process in many NATO countries, including Bulgaria, and that such measures are essential for national readiness without indicating imminent conflict.
The Bulgarian Ministry of Defence has since issued a public notice reaffirming the minister’s comments and urging citizens to rely on official information channels.
The ministry stressed its commitment to transparency and national security while calling on the media to avoid speculative reporting that could unnecessarily alarm the public.
As Bulgaria continues its transition to modern military capabilities, Defence Minister Zapryanov reiterated the government’s dedication to ensuring both preparedness and public accountability.