Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

The second F-16 of the Bulgarian Air Force lands at Graf Ignatievo air base

Photo: Ministry of Defence

The second F-16 Block 70 aircraft of the Bulgarian Air Force is now at the Third Air Base in Graf Ignatievo, the press center of the Ministry of Defence has reported. The aircraft was welcomed by the Chief of Defense Adm. Emil Eftimov, the Commander of the Air Force Gen. Nikolay Rusev, the acting commander of the Third Air Base Col. Metodi Orlov and the personnel of the air base.

“The process of adopting the new F-16 Block 70 platform into our Air Force and the Bulgarian Army continues successfully. Welcome to our second new combat aircraft,” Adm. Emil Eftimov said. He added that this year Bulgaria expects to receive all eight F-16 jets under the first contract. In the coming years Bulgaria will acquire eight more F-16 fighters, which have already been paid for.

The first F-16 Block 70 aircraft, which arrived in early April, is fully operational, Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov told bTV, quoted by BTA.

Editor: Diana Tsankova

Publication in English: Alexander Markov

Photo: Ministry of Defence



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Bulgaria to receive two F-16 Block 70 aircraft “very soon”, says Bulgarian Air Force commander

Two more F-16 Block 70 aircraft are expected to arrive in Bulgaria very soon. This was announced by the commander of the Air Force, Major General Nikolay Rusev, in front of journalists. So far, Bulgaria has received four F-16 Block 70 aircraft..

published on 10/16/25 3:00 PM

Bulgarian President Radev will no longer use National Guard Service transport

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has announced that as of October 20 this year he will travel to work in his personal car. “When a law is being adopted that forces people to do state work in their personal cars, I will stand in solidarity with them,” he..

published on 10/16/25 2:53 PM
General Major Nikolay Rusev

Bulgaria will seek a system for maximum protection against drones

We want to buy a system that has maximum protection against drones. This does not mean that it has a mechanical effect on the drone, but at least that it has some electromagnetic or blocking control of the device. This was explained to BNT by Maj. Gen...

published on 10/16/25 1:22 PM