The emergency renovation of Graf Ignatievo Airport will cost just over EUR 110 million excluding VAT. The repair contracts have been awarded to four companies, which the Ministry of Defense announced publicly, with their selection being an exception to the Public Procurement Act due to national security reasons. The largest portion of the funds, just over EUR 50 million, will be allocated to the 16 shelters with maneuvering areas, taxiways and service roads.

• Bulgarian fighter pilots to undergo training for F-16 Block 70 aircraft

• The first F-16 Block 70 aircraft will be handed over to Bulgaria on January 31

According to Minister Zapryanov, any delay in the construction of the military airport could lead to financial costs for storing the F-16 fighter jets outside of Bulgaria, as the first two fighter aircraft are expected by the end of March and in April. The remaining jets from the first batch of eight are expected to be in Bulgaria by the end of September.

• Successful test flight of first F-16 Block 70 for Bulgaria