NEWS

 

 

In 2019, the government concealed the real cost of the F-16 fighters which became known to us today, the Head of State said

 

I expect the government to consider all possible options for the purchase of another eight jets for our fighter aviation, to make a rational decision so that Bulgaria remains a responsible country to its own air sovereignty and to the integrated air defence system of the Alliance, where we have clear commitments, President Rumen Radev told the media. In his words, Bulgaria should not allow any failure in its defence capabilities, especially in the current critical times.

 

Responding to a question about the US proposal for a second batch of eight F-16s worth USD 1.673 billion, the Head of State recalled that in 2019 he had vetoed the National Assembly's decision to purchase the first batch of F-16s, not because of the capabilities of the aircraft, which are indisputable, but because of the way the contract had been concluded by the Bulgarian side. 

 

I clearly stated at the time that the government was concealing the real price of BGN 3 billion from the Bulgarian public, the President went on to say. He also recalled the Bulgarian government's decision at the time to outrageously slash the package of real capabilities and equipment and reduce it to the more publicly acceptable BGN 2.1 billion, along with assurances that the second batch of eight jets would be cheaper. I said then that the cost would come back to BGN 3 billion. Now the proposal is again BGN 3 billion and it cannot be otherwise, the Head of State stressed and specified that this was the price for Bulgaria to have all the equipment to reach operational readiness. 

 

Now the cabinet has to make an extremely difficult decision - whether we will have a squadron, which together with the infrastructure will cost Bulgaria BGN 5.5 billion leva, President Radev stressed. In his words, this country must have these capabilities, but it is important how this will happen, whether the cabinet will be able to afford it, and at what deferred payment - for 10-15 years or just for a year. 

 

The Head of State stressed that there was no country that could carry out combat duty with a mere eight fighters and those who claim that Bulgaria could carry out combat duty with F-16s immediately after 2025, when the first eight fighters were expected to arrive, were misleading the public. The President reminded that if the government takes an expedient enough decision and concludes a contract within 2-3 months, the next eight fighters for a full squadron will arrive around 2027-2028, and combat duty will be possible around 2030. If the cabinet decides to delay it, the void from the possible suspension of the MiG-29s operation will become even bigger, President Rumen Radev said. Therefore, he concluded, it is necessary to consider all possible options to guarantee Bulgaria's air sovereignty.

 

 

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