Bulgaria Rejects Claims of Sabotage at Air Base Over F-16 Issues

Bulgaria’s Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov has firmly dismissed allegations of sabotage by Bulgarian personnel following technical problems with the country's newly delivered F-16 Block 70 aircraft, calling the accusations "absurd" and "cynical."

Speaking on May 2 at the Third Air Base after a meeting with military staff, Zapryanov criticized what he described as politically motivated speculation about the aircraft’s condition. He was joined by Chief of Defense Admiral Emil Eftimov and Air Force Commander Major General Nikolay Rusev.

"A technical problem has turned into a domestic and foreign policy problem, with political dividends," Zapryanov said. He stressed that the issue is a routine technical fault, similar to those experienced with other military aircraft, and that Bulgarian and U.S. specialists are jointly addressing it.

"There is no sabotage. The claims that our technical or flight crew made any mistake that would violate the aircraft’s functioning are completely unfounded," Zapryanov stated.

The incident involves Bulgaria’s first F-16 Block 70, delivered as part of an eight-aircraft contract signed with the U.S. in 2019. According to Rusev, the problem—identified by the American pilot during the delivery flight—is hardware-related and not a software issue. The U.S. government and Lockheed Martin are supplying a replacement part at no extra cost, and the repair process has already begun.

Admiral Eftimov reinforced the aircraft’s strategic importance, saying, "The F-16 Block 70 is a key element of Bulgaria’s military transformation. It is essential for reconnaissance, surveillance, air combat, and strikes on sea and ground targets."

Despite the delay caused by the defect, officials confirmed that Bulgaria remains on track to receive all eight jets by the end of 2025. Training programs and infrastructure development at the Third Air Base are ongoing.

Major General Rusev reassured the public that flight and personnel safety remain the Air Force’s top priority. "The F-16 will fly in Bulgaria very soon," he said. Until then, the MiG-29 fleet will maintain air defense duties.

Minister Zapryanov also announced plans to brief parliament on the full circumstances surrounding the aircraft’s acceptance into service, reiterating that the contract with the U.S. is proceeding as agreed and will continue to strengthen Bulgaria’s defense capabilities.