The first two F-16 Block 70 fighter jets purchased by Bulgaria from the United States have not yet entered active service due to detected technical malfunctions. Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov announced in parliament that a fuel leak had been identified in one of the aircraft.
Lockheed Martin Experts Expected
Zapryanov stated that an expert from the manufacturer Lockheed Martin is expected for the repair of the first aircraft, delivered on 2 April. The minister said: “According to regulations, there is a technical malfunction. The manufacturer will step in to determine the cause of this problem and carry out the necessary repair.”
Previous Malfunction Reported
Zapryanov recalled that the same aircraft had previously experienced technical problems. He also noted that the two delivered F-16s are currently not operating in the protection of Bulgarian airspace.
Transition from MiG-29 to F-16
Bulgaria is still operating Soviet-made MiG-29 aircraft. To renew its air fleet, the country ordered a total of 16 F-16 Block 70 jets from the United States at a cost of 2.5 billion dollars.
Delays in Delivery
So far, the US has delivered only two aircraft. A computer system malfunction was identified in the second jet, delivered in May.
Of the first eight aircraft paid for in advance, six were planned to be delivered by the end of the year. However, in August, Defence Minister Zapryanov announced that this delivery had been postponed indefinitely.
Aero Haber X-Twitter you can follow his account. Follow
