02.04.2025
Today we were supplied with the last word of modernity – the first of the combat aviation vehicles after 35 years over which Bulgaria did not add a new fighter to its Air Force. This was stated by Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov at the ceremony for the landing of the first F-16 Block 70 jet at Graf Ignatievo Airbase.
Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov was firm that the implementation of the project, the acquisition of the new combat vehicles, is a symbol of the strategic partnership between Bulgaria and the United States. “The partnership that started at the time of the government with Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and the first term in office of President Donald Trump continues today,” Rossen Jeliazkov recalled. In this vein, the Prime Minister also emphasized the acquisition of the Stryker armored fighting vehicles for the Land Forces and the Javelin anti-tank missiles. As he put it, the strategic partnership between Bulgaria and the United States offers an opportunity for a new prospect for the Bulgarian Army.
Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov pointed out that the new combat vehicle would afford an opportunity to acquire new capabilities and a capacity to train a new generation of pilots, engineers and maintenance technicians. Further, the Prime Minister noted that this is an essential element of the modernization of the Bulgarian Armed Forces.
F-16 Block 70 is a completely new, fourth generation vehicle with enormous capabilities. The multi-role F-16 Block 70 fighter aircraft is compatible with NATO systems and performs a wide range of missions.
