Bulgaria’s National Assembly voted to approve an investment plan for the purchase of a further eight US-made F-16 fighter jets, in addition to the eight the country previously ordered and paid for.

The Sofia Globe reported about this.

Voting in the parliament took place on November 4.

The second acquisition of F-16 Block 70/72 fighters will cost about 2.6 billion leva ($1.3 billion), after Bulgaria paid 2.2 billion leva ($1.1 billion) for the first eight F-16s, which are due to begin arriving in 2025.

Payment for the second batch will be spread over 10 years.

Earlier this week, caretaker Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said that with the second deal, along with the fighter jets, Bulgaria would receive air-to-ground and air-to-air weapons, unlike the first contract which included only air-to-air weapons and not for all the aircraft.

“This is the reason why the price of the second contract seems higher, but in fact it is comparable to the first contract,” Stoyanov said.

It is envisaged that should Bulgaria meet the December 15 deadline for an agreement with the US, the delivery of the second batch of F-16s will take place in 2027.

In September, the decision to order the second batch of US combat aircraft was supported by the Bulgarian government.

This batch consists of four F-16C block 70s and four F-16D block 70s, as well as associated aircraft armament and ground equipment. The contract also provides for training and logistical assistance and sets of parts for maintenance.

In early 2020, Lockheed Martin awarded a contract to produce the first batch of F-16 fighters for Bulgaria.

The purchase of new fighters will allow the Bulgarian Air Force to have a full squadron of the Western-made multi-role fighter aircraft. F-16 Block 70/72 fighter jets are to replace the Soviet-era MiG-29 fighters.