NATO continued its largest combat exercises of 2025, Steadfast Dart, in Romania on Wednesday, as concerns grow over the U.S. stance under President Donald Trump. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s push for increased military spending from allies has raised doubts about U.S. security commitments in Europe. The drills involve 10,000 personnel from nine nations, including Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece, under NATO’s new Allied Reaction Force. Romania has taken a prominent role in the alliance, donating a Patriot missile system to Ukraine and opening an F-16 training hub for allied pilots. Adm. Stuart B. Munsch stressed NATO’s adaptation to modern threats, while […]
Category: Bulgaria
Lockheed Martin handovers first Bulgarian F-16 Block 70 fighter jet
Lockheed Martin has delivered the first two F-16 Block 70 multi-role fighter jets to Bulgaria in a ceremony held in Greenville, South Carolina. The delivery is part of two contracts signed in 2019 and 2022, totaling 16 aircraft. Bulgarian Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov called the acquisition a historic milestone for the country’s Air Force, marking the beginning of its combat aviation renewal. The new jets enhance Bulgaria’s defense capabilities, ensuring full interoperability with NATO and EU allies. Equipped with advanced radar, an automatic ground collision avoidance system, and an upgraded cockpit display, the F-16 Block 70 provides superior situational awareness […]