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

[Kailash Kumar]

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

 

[Turan09]

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

Why it is that Much expensive? Even f-35 is $91 million for the gods sake.

 

[UKBengali]

Why it is that Much expensive? Even f-35 is $91 million for the gods sake.

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.

 

[Turan09]

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.

Correct but still paying 200 million dollar for an f-16 (even with all spare parts etc) it is still a crazy thing...

 

[UKBengali]

Correct but still paying 200 million dollar for an f-16 (even with all spare parts etc) it is still a crazy thing...

This is the very latest F-16 with AESA radar, latest AAMs etc.

It is nearly as good in performance to the Eurofighter and Rafale that would cost more.
Also much cheaper to run than the above as well and so good for countries who want high performance on a tight budget.

 

[Avicenna]

Bulgaria is starting from the ground up, thus the enormous cost up front.

If it decides to purchase more examples, it will be cheaper.

 

[Turan09]

This is the very latest F-16 with AESA radar, latest AAMs etc.

It is nearly as good in performance to the Eurofighter and Rafale that would cost more.
Also much cheaper to run than the above as well and so good for countries who want high performance on a tight budget.

You are most probably right... Bulgarians are not idiots anyway. Its just weird to see this price on an f-16... But with AESA radar and other techs, latest f-16's must be much more different and sophisticated than the ''old ones''

 

[XTQ1999]

Why it is that Much expensive? Even f-35 is $91 million for the gods sake.

Because maintaining an aircraft over its lifetime is more expensive than the fly away cost, which is why you often end up with 2x the price of fly away cost in export contracts.

 

[Yaseen1]

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

 

[Signalian]

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

These F-16's are worth every cent.

 

[Yaseen1]

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

These F-16's are worth every cent.

 

[LeGenD]

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

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.

 

[Nein]

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.

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.

WWEUndertakerFan tells me otherwise Russian systems are good. I trust his word more than you.

 

[Avicenna]

WWEUndertakerFan tells me otherwise Russian systems are good. I trust his word more than you.

LOL!

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.

You probably meant Russian and Swedish options.

 

[LeGenD]

WWEUndertakerFan tells me otherwise Russian systems are good. I trust his word more than you.