Bulgaria's Defence Ministry Proposes Start of Talks with U.S. for F-16 Purchase
Bulgaria's defence ministry said that, together with the economy ministry, it has proposed to the government to ask for a mandate from parliament to start talks with the U.S. for acquisition of new F-16 fighter jets. The decision is in line with the conclusions of the special commissions tasked with evaluating and negotiating improvements in the initially submitted bids, the defence ministry said in a statement last week."The acquisition of new multipurpose fighters like the F-16V Block 70 from the U.S., equipped with the latest generation radar and weaponry, will significantly improve the combat capabilities of the Bulgarian Air Force," defence minister Krasimir Karakachanov said. In October, Bulgaria said that the U.S., Sweden and Italy have responded to Bulgaria's request for proposals for supply of up to 16 fighter jets to replace its ageing fleet of Russian-made combat aircraft. The US offered to supply new F-16 or F-18 jets, Saab offered to supply new Gripen C/D fighter jets, while Italy offered used Eurofighter aircraft.