The Bulgarian government has decided to purchase more Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets. Parliament gave the necessary approval for the transaction on Friday, November 4, 2022.

This increases an existing order, because eight machines of this type were ordered three years ago. According to the current state of affairs, these should be delivered to the Bulgarian military from around 2025. 16 MPs voted to purchase eight more F-162s. 49 MPs refused to give their consent.

Bulgaria wants to replace the additional Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets and at the same time improve airspace surveillance. Currently, one is also dependent on the support of other NATO members. The increase in the F-16 order is also influenced by the war in Ukraine instigated by Russia.