Bulgarian Air Force advances F-16 pilot training

The Bulgarian Air Force currently has eight pilots trained to operate F-16 fighter jets. Major General Nikolay Rusev, commander of the Air Force, stated that this number is expected to rise to 11 by the end of the year and to 15 by April 2027.

The eight F-16 Block 70 aircraft already in the country are actively flying, having accumulated approximately 700 flight hours. The long-term goal is to train a total of 32 pilots to support the 16 aircraft acquired through two separate contracts with the United States.

Regarding the delivery of the remaining eight aircraft, General Rusev noted that delays are occurring at the manufacturing level rather than within Bulgaria. High-level discussions are ongoing to attempt to shorten these delays. Additionally, the current aircraft are not yet fully equipped for combat duty, as the self-protection and warning systems have not yet been installed; installation is expected to begin within the next year.