The Ministry of Defense is not able to provide specific dates or periods in which the remaining six F-16 Block 70 aircraft will land in Bulgaria, because planning the flights from the USA is a complex and lengthy process. This is explained by the relevant Minister Atanas Zapryanov in response to a question from MP Ivaylo Mirchev from "We continue the change - Democratic Bulgaria". The answer is published on the website of the National Assembly.
The MP asks what are the exact time schedules according to which the remaining six aircraft should arrive by the end of the year, as well as what is the progress on the issue of building the infrastructure and deploying it on a simulator for training pilots.
Planning the flights from the USA to Bulgaria of our F-16 Block 70 aircraft is a complex and lengthy process, in which various structures of the US Air Force (Air Force) and NATO countries participate. Some of the main requirements that are taken into account when planning flight dates/periods are the need to maintain a certain constant fuel supply during flights over the ocean and the possibility of forming a group of aircraft that must fly from the USA to Europe, the Minister explains.
The number of US Air Force aircraft capable of refueling in flight is limited and they are used very intensively to ensure flights across the ocean. If necessary to ensure priority tasks for the US Air Force, all planned flights to allied or partner countries are changed or canceled, Atanas Zapryanov replies.
Bulgaria received the first two F-16 Block 70 fighters in April and June. By the end of 2025, in fulfillment of the 2019 contract, our country should receive a total of eight such aircraft. Our Air Force will have one F-16 Block 70 squadron by the end of 2027, when eight more aircraft are expected to be delivered under the second contract.