BRUSSELS/SOFIA — The European Commission has responded firmly to growing concerns and allegations of sabotage surrounding the delivery of Bulgaria’s first F-16 fighter jet, calling for restraint, transparency, and credible evidence before drawing any conclusions.
Speaking at a press briefing, European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier emphasized the importance of a measured and fact-based approach, particularly in light of sensitive national defense issues.
“Allegations of sabotage or foreign interference must be substantiated with credible evidence and handled through the appropriate institutional channels,” Regnier said. “Speculation risks undermining public trust and defense readiness.”
The remarks come after senior Bulgarian officials raised alarm over what has been described as a possible sabotage incident during the technical acceptance of the newly acquired F-16 jet.
The issue reportedly pertains to a hardware malfunction, not software, according to Air Force Commander Major General Nikolay Rusev.
Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov confirmed that a faulty component has already been ordered from the United States at no additional cost, under existing contractual arrangements.
Regnier also reiterated the European Union’s support for member states strengthening their defense systems in line with NATO standards.
He stressed that modernization efforts must be protected from disinformation and undue political manipulation, especially in regions vulnerable to hybrid threats, such as the Balkans.
“The politicization of defense procurement is dangerous,” Regnier warned. “In times of geopolitical instability, particularly in Europe’s southeastern flank, such matters demand calm, professional, and transparent handling.”
In Sofia, tensions escalated after Atanas Atanasov, chairman of the parliamentary committee on security services, called for a closed-door hearing involving top intelligence officials.
Brigadier General Venelin Venev, head of the Military Intelligence Service, and Plamen Tonchev, chief of the National Security Agency, are expected to brief lawmakers on the specifics of the incident and potential security breaches.
Controversy has also surrounded the leak of classified information, with officials investigating how President Rumen Radev became aware of the technical issue.
The Ministry of Defense has repeatedly stated that the problem is purely technical and not indicative of any systemic or external threat.
However, President Radev has come under fire from political opponents. Hristo Gadzhev, chairman of the Defense Committee, accused the president of politicizing a sensitive issue.
GERB party leader and former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov echoed this sentiment, pointing to continued issues within the Air Force despite significant investments and suggesting that Radev, a former Air Force commander, bears responsibility.
The incident has stirred fresh debate over the management and transparency of Bulgaria’s military modernization efforts, as well as the politicized climate surrounding defense matters.
As investigations continue and the EU maintains its watchful stance, calls are mounting for Bulgaria’s leadership to handle the situation with professionalism and discretion to avoid further escalation.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members