Bulgaria is receiving its first new F-16 fighter jets, but Romania will provide air policing services for the country in two years

Saturday, Jan 18, 2025

HotNews

Bulgaria buys new F-16s, contrasting with Romania’s strategy using second-hand jets before moving to F-35s.

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[This is an automatically generated summary, for reference only]

Bulgaria is acquiring modern F-16 Block 70 fighter jets, starting with three deliveries this month, while its modernization strategy differs from Romania’s. Bulgaria plans to purchase 16 new F-16s for over $2.3 billion, whereas Romania acquired 49 used F-16s for about €1.3 billion. Despite receiving new aircraft in 2025, Bulgarian air forces face challenges with pilot readiness and base modernization, leading experts to criticize the decision as it delays acquiring fifth-generation fighters. In contrast, Romania has a more established transition plan, utilizing older but upgraded F-16s while planning for future F-35 acquisitions. Romania’s strategy involved purchasing used F-16s from Portugal and Norway, which were subsequently modernized, allowing them to phase out Soviet aircraft like the MiG-21 Lancer before moving towards F-35s expected around 2030.

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