Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov announced that Bulgaria will have 12 fully trained F-16 pilots by the end of this year, highlighting the progress in the country's air force capabilities.

F-16 Pilots Training Update

Zapryanov shared the good news about the F-16 pilots' training progress during a ceremony. He assured that the current fleet of aircraft is performing well, with over 100 flying hours logged. The new F-16s are also actively participating in flights, which has led to a significant increase in kerosene consumption beyond the older aircraft.

In response to the increased fuel needs, the government has allocated an additional €30 million for the procurement of aviation fuel. This funding comes as part of the government's efforts to support the Bulgarian Air Force's operational needs and ensure that the F-16 fleet remains well-equipped for its duties.

The addition of these trained F-16 pilots represents a significant milestone for Bulgaria's defense capabilities and underscores the country's commitment to modernizing its military assets.