Less than a week after its arrival at the Third Air Base in Graf Ignatievo was confirmed, the first F-16 Block 70 fighter jet of the Bulgarian Air Force has been grounded due to anomalies detected during its ferry flight, which were identified during the technical inspection that is part of the aircraft’s acceptance process. This was reported to local media by Major General Nikolay Rusev, who currently serves as the commander of the Bulgarian Air Force, while noting that it has not yet been determined whether the aircraft is defective.
This point is significant, considering that the acceptance process is still underway, which requires the successful completion of two major stages before the aircraft can be officially incorporated into the force. According to available information, once the F-16 completes its extensive technical evaluation phase, a Bulgarian pilot must conduct a test flight and confirm the aircraft is fully operational.
The issue, which Major General Rusev sought to downplay with his statements, has sparked strong criticism within Bulgaria’s political sphere regarding the acquisition of these jets. In particular, the GERB party, through its leader Boyko Borisov, criticized the government for accepting an aircraft that arrived in a non-flightworthy condition. Meanwhile, former Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov claimed that the country lacks the necessary spare parts should the F-16 require them—an issue that stems from the rejection of the original offer that included these parts in an attempt to reduce associated costs. New negotiations between the governments are currently underway to resolve this problem.
It is worth recalling that the European country expects to receive a total of 16 U.S.-made aircraft, with the goal of forming a full squadron to modernize its air combat capabilities. The purchase has been divided into two phases, the first of which will conclude with the delivery of eight aircraft scheduled to be completed by the end of this year. By 2027, the remaining eight jets are expected to arrive to complete the squadron, and infrastructure works at the Third Air Base in Graf Ignatievo—funded with U.S. support—are expected to be completed to enable their deployment.
Images used for illustrative purposes only.
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