On Saturday, 18 October 2025, two additional F-16 Block 70 fighter jets landed at the Third Air Base in Graf Ignatievo, marking a new milestone in Bulgaria’s long-planned fleet recapitalization, as reported by the Ministry of Defence of Bulgaria. The delivery follows the 2019 government-to-government agreement with the United States and continues a steady intake that began earlier this year. The move matters for national air sovereignty and NATO mission readiness, replacing aging Soviet-era assets and consolidating Bulgaria’s role on the Alliance’s eastern flank. The aircraft were received in the presence of Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov and senior Air Force leadership, with the ministry confirming that the final pair under the first batch is due by year-end. Read Full Defense News At This Link.
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