First Bulgarian F-16 Reports Fuel Leak

The first Bulgarian F-16, delivered in the spring, has encountered technical problems and is undergoing repairs after testing revealed a fuel leak.

Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov confirmed the issue, saying it was detected on an F-16D Block 70 two-seat aircraft, where heat and fuel were leaking from one of the internal tanks.

Engineers at Graf Ignatievo Air Base, working with U.S. representatives, performed an inspection to determine the cause. A report was submitted, and following consultations with the American side, Lockheed Martin agreed to send a specialist to Bulgaria to perform repairs.

Zapryanov mentioned that Bulgarian forces have been holding regular consultations with U.S. partners and have already requested additional spare parts and materials.

For its first F-16 contract, Bulgaria received two of the eight ordered aircraft: one two-seat and one single-seat version. The two-seater was the first to arrive and was found to have technical issues shortly after delivery.

According to officials, the jet underwent extended testing, including partial military exercises, but a system failure was detected after its first landing in Bulgaria.

Former Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov, an aviation engineer, stated that the aircraft could not be flown due to the malfunction.

At the time of the failure, the necessary parts were not available in Bulgaria because they had not been included in the original delivery package to lower the contract price. Lockheed Martin has since pledged to provide express spare parts deliveries.

Zapryanov said negotiations are already underway with U.S. representatives to ensure a steady supply of parts and support for flight operations.

A second aircraft of the same configuration has since arrived, but neither plane has yet begun operational missions such as air patrols. Under the current contract, six more aircraft are expected to be delivered in batches by the end of 2025.