site.btaBulgaria, US to Enhance Coordination on F-16 Fighter Jets Deal

The Bulgarian Defence Ministry and Air Force will be assisted by a US government-funded advisor during the implementation of the project for acquisition of new F-16 Block 70 fighter jets, the Ministry said in a press release here on Thursday.

The advisor's work will focus on policy, planning, infrastructure, logistics, maintenance, and enhancing the interoperability of Bulgaria’s military aviation with NATO allies.

The advisor arrived in Bulgaria after the visit of Bulgaria’s Deputy Chief of Defence, Lt. Gen. Tsanko Stoykov, to the US in July for the 30th anniversary of the launch of the Partnership Programme with the Tennessee National Guard. During his visit, Stoykov toured the F-16 production line and met with executives of the contractor company.

Such initiatives are part of the strategic cooperation between Bulgaria and the United States and will contribute to strengthening Bulgarian defence institutions and capabilities, the Ministry also said in its press release.