F-16 Glitch Triggers Political Clash

Bulgaria 2 May 2025 22:00

A minor technical issue with one of Bulgaria’s newly delivered F-16 fighter jets has escalated into a political controversy. Speaking at Graf Ignatievo Air Base on Friday, Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov confirmed the glitch had been identified and would be promptly resolved. He criticized political leaders, including President Rumen Radev and former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, for politicizing what he described as a routine military technical problem, CE Report quotes BTA

The issue came to light after Radev reportedly suggested one of the jets was not operational, prompting Borissov to accuse the government of accepting faulty equipment. Radev countered by defending the military and blaming past cabinets for inadequate defense funding. Air Force Commander Major General Nikolay Rusev later clarified the system deviation did not render the aircraft defective.

The Defense Ministry reassured that all funding and support for the F-16 Block 70 program, including infrastructure and maintenance, remains intact.

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F-16 Glitch Triggers Political Clash

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