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

PM Rosen Zhelyazkov: The first F-16 is a symbol of ideological change

Photo: BTA

At an official ceremony to welcome the first Bulgarian F-16 Block 70 fighter jet at the 3rd Air Base in Graf Ignatievo, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov pointed out that the new plane symbolizes the ideological change that began in 2019.

“This wonderful combat aircraft is a symbol of the strategic partnership we have with the United States,” said the Prime Minister, adding that it was an extraordinary honor for him to attend the event at which the aircraft became part of the Air Force, the Bulgarian airspace and our national sovereignty.

Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov said that without rearming the army, the country would not be adequately prepared for modern threats. “We will try to make the most of the EU plan for rearming Europe,” he added.

According to the Minister, the modernization of the armed forces will require expenditures of up to 3% of GDP.



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

Ivelin Mihaylov

Bulgaria’s Anti-Corruption Commission probes 'Velichie' party in major property fraud case

Bulgaria’s Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating a large-scale property fraud and money laundering scheme connected to the 'Historical Park', which is associated with Ivelin Mihaylov, the leader of the Velichie party. Those arrested include the..

published on 11/26/25 2:30 PM
Boyko Borissov

Borissov cites EU defence adjustment to claim a 2026 deficit of 2.7%

The ruling party and the opposition argued about the procedure for the Budget Committee meeting before the final vote on the 2006 budget .  Assen Vassilev, chairman of the We Continue the Change party, attempted to block the committee’s extraordinary..

published on 11/26/25 2:15 PM

Agriculture and forestry workers protest for higher salaries

Employees in the agriculture and forestry sector staged a protest in front of the Parliament, demanding higher salaries for workers in departments that are secondary budget administrators. The protest was organized by the National Federation of..

published on 11/26/25 12:34 PM