Bulgaria to have 12 F-16 pilots by the end of the year: Army modernization continues

Progress in F-16 preparations

By the end of 2024, Bulgaria will have 12 trained pilots for the F-16 Block 70 fighter jets, announced caretaker Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov. Currently, there are already six certified pilots, with eight more expected to arrive.

According to the contract, a total of 32 pilots must be trained for the two squadrons that will operate the new fighter jets.

Intensive flights and logistics

The minister assured that all eight available F-16 fighter jets are in flight readiness. With over 100 flight hours, a significant increase in aviation fuel consumption has been reported, which requires additional budget expenditures from the Council of Ministers.

• Modernization: Successful execution of the contracts under the SAFE instrument.
• Budget: The goal is to reach 3.5% of GDP for defense by 2035.
• Equipment: During the May 6 celebrations, capabilities were demonstrated with aviation from different generations.

Despite the lack of a regular military parade due to budget constraints, the spirit at the Graf Ignatievo Air Base remains high, and the foundations for future rearmament are firmly laid.