Tag:f-16

In response to a query from Ivan Petkov, a Member of Parliament from the Bulgarian Socialist Party, Zapryanov emphasized that the airbase will not include facilities for storing nuclear weapons

This marks a crucial milestone in Bulgaria's air force modernization, with MiG-29 aircraft re-based from Plovdiv Airport to Graf Ignatievo. The relocation aims to restore flight operations and enhance combat readiness at the Third Air Base

The original LOA, inked on July 11, 2019, marked a milestone in Bulgaria's pursuit of modernizing its air force. It involved a USD 1.2 billion contract with Lockheed Martin Corp. for the acquisition of cutting-edge F-16 Block 70 aircraft, munitions, Sidewinder AIM 9X Block II Missiles, and accompanying material and services

This decision to overhaul the MiG-29 engines follows a strategic imperative to enhance combat readiness and align operational capabilities with the impending induction of the F-16 Block 70 aircraft into Bulgaria's aerial arsenal

Admiral Eftimov provided insights into the meticulous preparation behind this initiative, revealing plans for a total of 16 aircraft and the comprehensive training of 32 airmen in the United States

At the end of 2023, the Bulgarian MIG-29 fighter jets that have been defending the skies for the past three decades will be retired. This is the final year that these combat aircraft from the Soviet Union will be employed to protect the borders of Bulgaria

Diplomat Baiba Brace revealed that the NATO multinational force in Bulgaria, organised a few days after Russia began an invasion of Ukraine, has reached its maximum operating capacity

Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov responded to a parliamentary question by saying that the ministry is looking for a long-term solution to keep running Soviet MIG-29 and MIG-29 UB aircraft because they were set to retire in 2023, leaving Bulgarian airspace undefended. Bulgarian airspace currently depends on MIG-29 jet fighters built in the Soviet Union