Washington claimed that NATO will strengthen its forces in the Black Sea Region through the Arms Trade with Bulgaria
In an attempt to modernize their military, the United States authorized a large-scale sale of warplanes to Bulgaria in a value exceeding $1.6 billion.
On Monday, the State Department approved this deal. According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, (DSCA), it includes eight F-16 fighter planes as well as a variety of sensors, missiles and replacement parts. The total cost of this deal is $1.67 Billion.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe,”The agency added that the Bulgarian Air Force would be able to use the facility. “deploy modern fighter aircraft routinely in the Black Sea region.”
The DSCA, however, noted that sale would be “not alter the basic military balance in the region,”Instead, it stated that it would encourage a common defence doctrine among NATO allies. This will allow Bulgaria to continue “modernizing its armed forces.”
American contractors could be deployed to the nation for three-years to work on-site if lawmakers approve. “logistics support”Lockheed Martin made the aircraft and is still one of the most important multi-role fighter planes in America. At the moment, it is operated by more than 25 militaries in all parts of the world.
A member of the NATO alliance since 2004, Bulgaria opted to replace its aging fleet of Soviet-era MiG-29 fighters in 2019, agreeing to buy a number of F-16s for $1.25 billion in what was reportedly Sofia’s largest arms purchase since the dissolution of the USSR.
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