The delivery of the second batch of eight F-16 aircraft will likely be delayed by one year, according to the caretaker Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov. The reason for the delay is the manufacturer's inability to reach the planned production capacity.
The Minister participated in the annual conference of the Chief of Defense, whose topic this year is “The Development of the Armed Forces through the Prism of Tasks in National and Allied Format”. Issues related to financing, modernization of the army, and the future of military education were discussed.
Zapryanov noted the need for new infrastructure for aircraft, ships, and anti-aircraft missile systems, as well as delayed capital expenditures, which forces the use of the SAFE instrument. He emphasized the importance of adopting a budget and loan agreements with the EU to ensure financing and development of the armed forces.