Bulgaria Sets 2028 Target for F-16 Readiness as MiG-29 Fleet Remains Essential

Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov told the parliamentary defense committee that Bulgaria expects the F-16 Block 70 fighters to become fully operational in 2028. He stressed that until the new aircraft reach that stage, the country will have to continue supporting the MiG-29 fleet, since these jets remain the only national capability for air policing at this stage. Zapryanov noted that suggestions of achieving readiness by 2026 are not realistic, though the Air Force commander may decide at a later stage whether limited operational use is possible earlier....