U.S. approves sale of 8 F-16's to Bulgaria at a cost of $1.673 billion

[Imran Khan]

its brad day light robbery not a deal

 

[Yaseen1]

Why would they settle for relatively inferior Russian options? Russia have barely introduced 1st generation AESA radar system in its jets whereas US is exporting 4th generation AESA radar systems in its options.

F-16 Block 70/72 incorporate 4th generation AESA AN/APG-83 radar system which is a derivative of AN/APG-81 in use in F-35 variants. In fact, cutting-edge avionics across the board. F-16 Block 70/72 is a completely new jet beneath F-16 airframe and label.

Slovakia dropped both Russian and Swiss options after evaluating F-16 Block 70/72, to give you an idea. When you have funds, you should choose the best.

 

[LeGenD]

Why not watch videos of Su-30 MKI while you are at it? Very impressive in theory and also kinematics-wise. Russian Sukhoi class is better than MiG class on the whole.

Do not judge a book by its cover. Russia does not have the funds and R&D levels to match the WEST in cutting-edge.

its brad day light robbery not a deal

No, it isn't.

 

[Yongpeng Sun-Tastaufen]

after arabs u.s now started looting europeans .I think it is better bulgharia buy russian mig35

Bulgaria is NATO which is hostile to Russia so they'll never buy a Russian plane.

 

[PDF]

Good choice. They could also opt for Rafale or Typhoon but Block 70/72 is a beast of its own.

 

[jamal18]

One of the poorest countries in Europe!

 

[TruthHurtz]

lmao 8

 

[zectech]

its brad day light robbery not a deal

this was a bank robbery

compare:

Indonesia has finalized a billion-dollar deal pertaining to the purchase of 11 Sukhoi Su-35 jets from Russia.

According to Indonesian Defense Ministry spokesman Totok Sugiharto on Saturday, the contract, worth a total of $1.14 billion, was finalized by representatives from both countries in Jakarta.

"Two units of Sukhoi jets will be delivered in August 2018," he added, noting that six more planes would be delivered 18 months after the contract becomes effective, and the remaining three would be delivered five months after that.

Indonesia and Russia entered into a memorandum of understanding over the exchange 11 Russian-made Sukhoi jets for key commodities, such as palm oil, coffee and tea, in August last year, in what Indonesia said was an opportunity to capitalize on international sanctions on Moscow.

https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2018/02/18/552745/russia-indonesia-sukhoi-billion-dollar

SU-35 is the best 4th gen fighter of Russia too.

 

[Ultima Thule]

now other best options are available than f16 which have more worth and u.s also admits that russian mig31 has capabilities comparable to f22 ,its range is 3000km,speed may reach to 3 mac and payload is higher and can track and target more targets at a time than f16

Oh just Shut up, you don't what is you talking about, Mig-31 can't be compare with F-22, F-22 is way way way ahead from Mig-31 at every aspect @Yaseen1

Oh just Shut up, you don't what is you talking about, Mig-31 can't be compare with F-22, F-22 is way way way ahead from Mig-31 at every aspect @Yaseen1

 

[Yaseen1]

Oh just Shut up, you don't what is you talking about, Mig-31 can't be compare with F-22, F-22 is way way way ahead from Mig-31 at every aspect @Yaseen1


Oh just Shut up, you don't what is you talking about, Mig-31 can't be compare with F-22, F-22 is way way way ahead from Mig-31 at every aspect @Yaseen1

https://armedforces.eu/compare/fighter_aircraft_Lockheed_Martin_F-22_Raptor_vs_Mikoyan_MiG-31
You not understand what i have said that it not competes f22 in all aspects but in certain aspects it competes f22 like range, speed and payload ,use your mind before calling others to shutup

 

[Mrc]

This is day light robbery....

Man 200 million per piece...

And what is use of 8 plane for Bulgaria...

At any time only 5 will b available

 

[Ultima Thule]

https://armedforces.eu/compare/fighter_aircraft_Lockheed_Martin_F-22_Raptor_vs_Mikoyan_MiG-31
You not understand what i have said that it not competes f22 in all aspects but in certain aspects it competes f22 like range, speed and payload ,use your mind before calling others to shutup

We talking about modern stealth jet with 70s era Interceptors with limited agility, speed is irrelevant, if you would like to go faster then you have big RCS/IR return, with full pay loads Mig-31 can't achieve its full performance drag/weight/speed issues, combat radius is more important than ferry range, and don't bring this childish comparision by some fanboys of Mig-31 @Yaseen1 en

 

[Humble Analyst]

91 million US dollars is the cost of just the F-35 plane.

This includes the planes, spares, engines, missiles, bombs, training, infrastructure and maintenance.

Still it is expensive but if Bulgaria wants to buy it is their money to spend

 

[Broccoli]

Still it us expensive but if Bulgaria wants to buy it is their money to spend

It costs a lot because they have to introduce NATO standards on every sector of their air force.

 

[araz]

Bulgaria – F-16C/D Block 70/72 Aircraft with Support

WASHINGTON, June 3, 2019 -

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Bulgaria of F-16C/D Block 70/72 aircraft with support for an estimated cost of $1.673 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on May 30, 2019.

The Government of Bulgaria has requested to buy eight (8) F-16 C/D Block 70/72 aircraft;
ten (10) F110 General Electric engines (includes 2 spares); ten (10) Link-16 Multi-Functional Information Distribution System (MIDS) - JTRS (MIDS-JTRS) (includes 2 spares); nine (9) Improved Program Display Generators (iPDG) (includes 1 spare); nine (9) AN/APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radars (includes 1 spare); four (4) AN/AAQ-33 SNIPER Targeting Pods; nine (9) Modular Mission Computers (MMC) 7000AH (includes 1 spare); nine (9) LN-260 Embedded GPS/INS (EGI); nine (9) M61 Vulcan 20mm Cannons; sixteen (16) AIM-120C7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs); one AIM-120C7 Spare Guidance Section; twenty-four (24) AIM-9X Sidewinder Missiles; eight (8) AIM-9X Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM); four (4) AIM-9X Spare Tactical Guidance Sections; four (4) AIM-9X Spare CATM Guidance Sections; forty-eight (48) LAU-129 Multi-Purpose Launchers; fifteen (15) GBU-49 Enhanced Paveway II Kits; fifteen (15) GBU-54 Laser JDAM Kits; twenty-eight (28) GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs (SDB-1); twenty-four (24) FMU-152 Fuzes; twenty-four (24) MK-82 Bombs (Tritonal); six (6) MK82 Bombs (Inert); and thirteen (13) MAU-210 Enhanced Computer Control Group (ECCG). Also included are nine (9) AN/ALQ-211 Internal Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suites (including 1 spare); nine (9) AN/ALE-47 Countermeasure Dispensers (including 1 spare); 4,140 Infrared Flare countermeasures, with impulse cartridges; 8,250 each of PGU-27A/B 20mm training and combat munitions; thirty-six (36) MK-124 Signal/Smoke Illumination devices; nine (9) APX-126 Advanced Identification Friend or Foe (AIFF) units with Secure Communications and Cryptographic Appliques; eighteen (18) AN/ARC-238 UHF/VHF SATURN Radios; sixteen (16) AIM-120C AMRAAM training CATMs; Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) with software, training and support; twenty (20) Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) II with Night Vision Goggle compatibility; ten (10) Night Vision Devices; two (2) Remote Operated Video Enhanced Receiver (ROVER) 6i units, plus 1 ground station; ground training device (flight and maintenance simulator); one (1) Avionics I-level Test Station; Electronic Combat International Security Assistance Program (ECISAP) support; Cartridge Actuated and Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD) support; Common Munitions Bit-test Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE) support with Computer Test Set Adapter Group; communications equipment; software delivery and support; facilities and construction support; spares and repair/replace parts; personnel training and training equipment; publications and technical documentation; containers; munition support and test equipment; aircraft and munition integration and test support; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor technical, engineering and logistical support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $1.673 billion.

The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve security of a NATO ally and a key democratic partner of the United States in ensuring peace and stability in this region.

The proposed sale will contribute to Bulgaria's capability to provide for the defense of its airspace, regional security, and interoperability with the United States and NATO. These aircraft will provide Bulgaria with a fleet of modernized multi-role combat aircraft, ensuring that Bulgaria can effectively operate in hazardous areas and enhancing the Bulgarian Air Force's interoperability with U.S. as well as NATO forces. Bulgaria currently relies on the United States and the United Kingdom to participate in joint air policing. By acquiring these F-16s and the associated sustainment and training package, Bulgaria will be able to provide for the defense of its own airspace and borders. Bulgaria will have no difficulty absorbing this aircraft and services into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be Lockheed Corporation, Bethesda, Maryland. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Bulgaria.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.

https://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/bulgaria-f-16cd-block-7072-aircraft-support

Hmm! 8 planes with 16 AIM120 C7 Missiles, and 24 AIM 9Xs. Does not appear to be much of threat perception. Secondly note that theAMRAAM IS C7 rather than D.
A
PS: Has US sold any Ds at all to anyone,,