The Air Force has eight pilots trained for the F-16 fighter jets. This number will increase to 11 by the end of the current year, and by April 2027, the number of qualified aviators is expected to reach 15. This was announced by Air Force Commander Major General Dimitar Hristov on the Bulgarian National Television.
According to Hristov, the F-16 aircraft are flying actively and have logged approximately 700 flight hours. He clarified that the delay in the delivery of the second batch of eight jets is due to manufacturing processes at the plant and not to actions on Bulgaria's part. In total, 32 pilots must be trained under the two signed contracts, which is the necessary number for the operation of 16 fighters.
Major General Hristov explained that crew training is a continuous process, and starting next year, pilots are expected to begin night flights. At the moment, the jets are not fully equipped for combat duty as the self-protection and warning system has not yet been installed. "Why it is missing, I cannot answer, but according to the assurances the military has received, its installation could begin next year, with the final result expected by the end of 2027."
The Air Force Commander emphasized that one F-16 squadron is not sufficient for the country's needs. He believes that acquiring another type of modern aircraft would be appropriate. Regarding the Bezmer Air Base, Major General Hristov pointed out that currently, only Bulgarian aircraft are based there.
He also commented on the financial incentives for flight personnel. A pilot of a supersonic aircraft receives an additional 193 euros per month, a subsonic pilot receives 179 euros, and crews of transport, training aircraft, and helicopters receive 170 euros each. "If they don't fly, these amounts are simply not received," the commander clarified, adding that young pilots are always provided a path for development, and the motivation of those in blue uniforms is based on patriotism.