Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Bulgaria to receive the first F-16 fighter jets at the beginning of 2025

Photo: lockheedmartin.com

The first F-16 fighter jets will arrive at the beginning of 2025, caretaker Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov said for BNT. In the authum of 2024, Bulgarian pilots will be trained in the United States how to fly the aircraft. Next year, Bulgaria will also receive the new Stryker combat vehicles.

According to Minister Zapryanov, the modernization of the army is underway, and people see the future with new aircraft, combat vehicles, and ships. In his words, increasing the salaries of military personnel is an important but insufficient tool.

"Now the responsibility lies with the political leadership of the Ministry of Defense and the military command to develop other mechanisms to make the military profession attractive", Atanas Zapryanov said.

Understaffing is most concerning in the Land Forces, and in particular in our main combat brigades, which, according to NATO's new requirements, must maintain a high level of readiness, Atanas Zapryanov went on to say.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Christmas town opens in Plovdiv’s central square

Plovdiv will offer concerts, bazaars and an ice park for the Christmas and New Year holidays to its citizens and guests, the municipality has announced. Mayor Kostadin Dimitrov will light the Christmas tree in front of the Plovdiv Municipality..

published on 11/27/25 8:05 AM

Bulgaria faces widespread rain and cooler temperatures

On Thursday, minimum temperatures will range from 3° to 19°C, with eastern areas reaching 15–19°C and Sofia around 6°C. The day will be cloudy with widespread rain. Heavy rainfall is expected in western regions overnight and in central and southern..

published on 11/26/25 7:05 PM

Georg Georgiev: Support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia must continue

“Solutions for achieving peace in Ukraine must be based on fundamental principles of the UN Charter, such as sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.” This was stated by Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev at the informal video..

published on 11/26/25 6:41 PM