Bulgarian President Iliana Yotova visited the 3rd Air Base at Graf Ignatievo, where she reviewed the modernization efforts connected with the arrival of Bulgaria’s new F-16 Block 70 fighter jets. The visit was carried out in her capacity as president and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, together with Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov and Air Force Commander Major General Nikolay Rusev.
During the inspection, Yotova met with the leadership and personnel of the airbase and was briefed on the newly built infrastructure designed to support the operation of the F-16 aircraft. She also reviewed the flight crew training simulator developed as part of the modernization program.
Following discussions with the command of Graf Ignatievo airbase and the Air Force leadership, Yotova described the talks as open and direct.
“We had an extremely frank conversation with the management of the Graf Ignatievo airbase and with the Commander of the Air Force, Major General Nikolay Rusev,” the president told journalists.
Yotova said efforts are being made to provide the necessary conditions for the base and its personnel to operate effectively. She expressed hope that the required funding would be included in Bulgaria’s next regular state budget for 2027.
