The meeting of the parliamentary committee on defense, which must discuss the ratification of the contract for the acquisition of eight more F-16 aircraft, has begun, reported a Novini.bg reporter.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Minister of Defense informed the MPs about the parameters of the contract.

"Lockheed Martin": F-16 fighters for Bulgaria are in the process of production

Two days ago, the manufacturing company "Lockheed Martin" announced that the first eight F-16 Block 70 fighters for Bulgaria are in the process of production.

Acting Minister of Defense Dimitar Stoyanov stated that Bulgaria should have eight more aircraft to make a total of 16 - one full squadron.

"Vazrazhdane" and "BSP for Bulgaria" declared against this decision.

According to the minister, the contract was rushed in order to receive the planes in 2027, as per the contract, and not to postpone this further in time.

"The first installment has been paid for the contract to enter into force," he explained. 

"Vazrazhdane" indicated that, in their opinion, the signed contract is a trap and harms our country. 

Dimitar Stoyanov

F-16 fighter jets