site.btaDefence Minister Signs Contracts for Purchase of Eight F-16 Block 70 Jet Fighters

July 11 (BTA) - Bulgaria's Defence Minister Krassimir
Karakachanov on Thursday signed Letters of Agreement (LOAs) for
the purchase of eight multi-role F-16 Block 70 fighter aircraft,
 Karakachanov's Ministry said in a press release.

Pursuant to Council of Ministers Decision No. 398 of July 10,
2019, Karakachanov signed LOAs BU-D-SAB (F-16 Block 70 aircraft
and associated support), LOA BU-D-AAA (Мunitions in support of
the F-16), LOA BU-P-AAD (Sidewinder AIM 9X Block II Missiles,
associated material and services), and LOA BU-P-LAR
(Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical
Radio System (MIDS JTRS) (5) and related support and equipment)
at an aggregate price of 1,256,153,980 US dollars.

"Under Bulgaria's Constitution and the procedure established by
the International Treaties of the Republic of Bulgaria Act,
these agreements need to be ratified by the National Assembly in
 order to enter into force," the press release reads.

Considering Bulgaria's financial constraints, the US Department
of State has taken action for a reduction of the aggregate price
 by up to 60 million US dollars through a request to the US
Congress for additional financing to be used in the interest of
Bulgaria, the Defence Ministry said. The State Department's
request is to be considered by Congress shortly. RY/LG
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