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Bulgaria's Government to Buy Eight New F-16s from US

Associated Press

   SOFIA, BULGARIA - Bulgaria's government has decided to buy eight new
   F-16 fighters in a bid to replace its aging Soviet-built jets and bring
   its air force in line with NATO standards.

   The government gave the go-head Wednesday for the defense minister to
   sign the contract for the purchase of eight multi-role F-16 Block 70
   fighter aircraft.
   Deputy defense minister Atanas Zapryanov told reporters that the $1.25
   billion deal includes the aircraft, ammunition, equipment and pilot
   training, and that there is an option for the U.S. Congress to
   contribute $60 million. He said that six single-seat and two two-seat
   F-16s would be delivered by 2023.
   The decision still needs parliamentary approval, but it is expected to
   get that easily given that the ruling coalition has a majority.
   Bulgaria joined NATO in 2004.

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