It is a matter of days for the F-16 aircraft to be repaired, said the Chief of Defense Admiral Emil Eftimov to BNT.
"The F-16 has a minor technical problem. The aircraft is in the process of acceptance, followed by acceptance of armament, operation and training of our pilots and technicians. This is a process. The theme for 2025 is for the first 8 aircraft to arrive and for their mastering to begin, after which the assembly and reaching of initial operational capabilities of these 8 aircraft to begin".
Admiral Eftimov refused to comment on political statements on the topic and described the accusations against the Air Force leadership as insinuations. He believes that the servicemen deserve an apology, but he does not expect to receive one.
"There will be attacks. There will be problems with subsequent aircraft, there will be problems with ships, with combat vehicles, radars. This is something normal, this is a process. Logistics systems, support systems are being set up. The key moment in this regard - maintaining secrecy, security, etc. was the certification of the airbase's security systems. We are working very seriously in this regard. The personnel are prepared".
Admiral Eftimov thanked all servicemen and civilians for their responsibility and professionalism.
"We are celebrating the holiday in a different environment, in which the state demonstrates its attitude towards the army. Modernization has begun - this is the topic, and it is the F-16. We are on the right course. When the ship is on the right course, the command is "hold". I wish them to hold on, to be resilient, motivated and responsible".