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Old 07-19-2019, 09:45 AM
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Arrow Bulgaria makes biggest military acquisition since fall of communism

Bulgaria makes biggest military acquisition since fall of communism
RE: https://www.dw.com/en/bulgaria-makes...ism/a-49655416

Bulgarian lawmakers had to widen the budget deficit by 1.6% of GDP to pay for advanced US F-16 fighter jets. But officials have justified the price tag, saying they give Bulgaria a way out of "a technological stalemate."

Photo link: https://www.dw.com/image/49654805_303.jpg

The Bulgarian Parliament on Friday approved the purchase of eight new US-made F-16 fighter jets for a hefty $1.3 billion (€1.1 billion).

"Bulgaria will be the first Balkan country to have this brand-new version of the aircraft," said Defense Minister Krasimir Karakachanov.

Six of the F-16 Block 70 multi-role fighters will have a single seat while the other two will have two. They will replace the NATO country's Soviet-built MiG-29s of which only seven are still able to fly.

The F-16's manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, said the fighter jets are "a proven, capable, low-risk and cost effective solution for Bulgaria's national and NATO defense needs."

Way out of 'technological stalemate'

During a heated parliamentary debate, opposition Bulgarian lawmakers questioned the higher-than-normal price for the fighter jets.

Parliament had to widen Bulgaria's 2019 budget deficit from 0.5% to 2.1% of GDP in order to pay for the US military hardware. The deal represents the biggest defense acquisition since the fall of communism in the early 1990s.

But Bulgaria's air force chief Major General Tsanko Stoykov justified the price tag, saying the F-16s would provide Bulgaria a way out of "a technological stalemate."

Bulgaria is considered one of the poorest countries in the EU. It jointed the transatlantic NATO military alliance in 2004.
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O Almighty Lord God, who neither slumberest nor sleepest; Protect and assist, we beseech thee, all those who at home or abroad, by land, by sea, or in the air, are serving this country, that they, being armed with thy defence, may be preserved evermore in all perils; and being filled with wisdom and girded with strength, may do their duty to thy honour and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

"IN GOD WE TRUST"
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