The budget for the acquisition of eight new F-16 Block 70 fighters, together with their logistics and armament, was approved today for almost $1.3 billion.
The Bulgarian Ministry of Defense reported that during today’s meeting of the Council of Ministers, the investment expenditure project for the acquisition of another 8 F-16 BLOCK 70 aircraft, together with their associated logistics and an armament package for these, was approved for a total amount totaling $1,296,412,185.
«The project also includes air-to-surface and air-to-air attack capabilities. In other words, we will have a full squadron of 16 aircraft. The aircraft are expected to arrive in 2027,» Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov clarified.
There are still no further details on the future acquisition of the Block 70s, but if they follow the pattern of the first purchase, the Bulgarian Air Force would be receiving six single-seat and two two-seat aircraft.
In terms of armament, Bulgaria acquired, along with the first eight F-16s, an armament package consisting of the following items:
- 16 AIM-120C7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs)
- 24 AIM-9X Sidewinder
- 15 GBU-49 Enhanced Paveway II Kits
- 15 GBU-54 Laser JDAM Kits
- 28 GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs
Depending on what lessons the Bulgarian top commanders are drawing from the war in Ukraine, the new contract for launchable smart weaponry could vary from what was previously procured. Perhaps adding some anti-ship capability?
