Forum: F-16 News

Hello!

I was not sure if this it the right subforum so if it is not, please move the topic.

Unnamed sources said today that Bulgarian Air Force is going to get second hand F-16 Block 30, built in 1987. The deal is to be announced until the end of the year and the first jet has to arrive in the next year (2009).

Probably this is the first step before joining the F-35 program.

Cheers,
Airfan

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Maybe a split procurement. One squadron of used blk 32 and one squadron of new blk 52. I believe there is a previous thread on this subject.

Or maybe old birds that will get an MLU update? Like the Portuguese F-16's?

I think maybe updated USAFR airframes.

JetTest wrote:

I think maybe updated USAFR airframes.

Most likely Block 30 upgraded to something like Block 40.

Can anyone confirm this rumor?

The only related news items we currently have are: <ul><li><a href="news_article2927.html">Bulgaria Defense Minister takes a tour in the F-16</a></li><li><a href="news_article1825.html">Bulgaria probes for F-16 purchase</a></li></ul>

What I can`t understand about this is that the US is retiring most of the Block 25's, consolidating and upgrading the Block 30/32, 40/42 and 50/52's yet still complain about having too few jets within the right age.
So why sell block 30's to Bulgaria?

Leasing the jets ala what was done to Italy makes sense, but the rumour doesn`t indicate this to be the case?

The rumors say that the HQ decided to get some second hand jets for stop gap capability until the arrival of the new multirole fighter.
There is strong political pressure from the USA that this second hand jet to be the F-16.

Edit: The former minister of foreign affairs also flew twice the F-16.

The majority of the aircraft being retired due to BRAC are Block 25s. It would bet the "most available" for reuse.

Now I'm guessing they would go with a "used" Viper with the same motor OEM as what they decide to get new; Block 50 or 52.

If they decide on 50s then a 30s would be best to train with, then their technicians can get hands-on training while receiving the "new" Vipers.

On the other hand, if they buy 52s, the smart choice would be 32s or 25.

Keep 'em flyin' Thumb

TEG

Zdrasti,

No offence, but can Bulgaria afford modern fighter recapitalization and maintain these squadrons? Does it make practical national strategy? Maybe it does and I will shut my mouth if it's been fully debated already within high Bulgarian national/defense levels.

Maybe US is offering a very cheap combined block deal, with support, which no one could refuse? Or as webmaster said above, perhaps it's just a tactical rumor being leaked?

Either way, perhaps Bulgaria could acquire/maintain small number of 8-12 Aermacchi M-346 or L-159B-class light tactical/trainer for home defense/recon and allocate more funds for other home-defense systems? Such as future MEADS SAM, Precision guided artillery, field-UAV, multi-purpose helicopter for spec ops/attack? To better diversify budget in modern, capable, layered home-defense?

As far as I know, Bulgaria has to participate in the Air Policing so jets like M-346 or L-159 doesn't fit to the picture at all! The Air Policing requires supersonic jet fighter with radar plus Bulgaria is not a 3rd world country to buy such jet as you propose.

No offense to anybody!

Airfan wrote:

As far as I know, Bulgaria has to participate in the Air Policing so jets like M-346 or L-159 doesn't fit to the picture at all! The Air Policing requires supersonic jet fighter with radar plus Bulgaria is not a 3rd world country to buy such jet as you propose.

No offense to anybody!

Of course, both those light/training jets are very capable, economical and well performing for the price, but I accept your answer about BG's requirements. Sorry for offense. Respects-

Rumors says that in the end of October the Bulgarian government has signed letter of request for 8 F-16D and 6 F-16C, block 25/30.

Interesting. That would seem rational as to Bulgaria's apparent central effort to bridge the 2 sides? Note Mig-29s undergoing extensive upgrade program?

But then perhaps someday... NATO/EU/National 'ground, High-altitude and Satellite based' radar and 'other' sensors can simply relay extended range SA to cheap 'light-fighters' enabling it to employ capable air intercept deterrence and policing patrols, etc, minus the expensive radar? You'ld have to love the M-346s of the world in that situation - don't deny it! Salute

A bit of change in the numbers - 6 F-16C + 2 F-16D.

Forum: F-16 News

Bulgarian Air Force to get second hand Block F-16s?