million leva, while the Su-25 is estimated at 27.6 million leva. These estimates cover personnel salaries, base infrastructure upkeep, spare parts, and aviation fuel, but do not include pilot training, which has not been conducted for these aircraft in the past five years. Zapryanov emphasized that decommissioning the MiG-29 and Su-25 before the F-16 fleet reaches operational readiness would leave Bulgaria without key air capabilities and hinder the country’s ability to meet constitutional and alliance commitments. Consequently, the phasing out of the older aircraft will be tied to the acquisition and readiness of the F-16s. Bulgaria has already received six F-16 fighters under a 2019 contract, with two more expected by year’s end. Once the second contract is completed, the Air Force will have a full squadron of 16 F-16s. The Defence Minister also highlighted that replacing combat platforms requires a comprehensive approach, including training of personnel, spare parts supply, infrastructure readiness, and coordination under Foreign Military Sales contracts with the United States. Bulgarian Air Force commander Major General Nikolay Rusev told Bulgarian National Television on 16 October that the MiG-29 continues to guard national airspace until the F-16 fleet is fully operational. He noted that the F-16s will only be deployed once there are enough planes and trained pilots. Currently, six aircraft have been received, but only two pilots are fully qualified to lead groups. Rusev added that pilot training, conducted entirely in the United States, has experienced delays due to high demand from other nations. Despite this, he said, the process is progressing and the number of trained pilots will soon match the incoming F-16 aircraft.