Bulgaria
How Bulgaria is Looking to Modernize its Air Force
The first two of Sofia‘s original order of eight F-16 Block 70 Fighting Falcons were officially handed over in late January via American defense contractor Lockheed Martin.
More F-16s Are Heading to the Balkans
Bulgaria is just one of several nations that are on track to receive the F-16 Block 70/72 fighters.
More Javelin ‘Tank-Killer’ Missiles Are Headed Close to Russia Doorstep
All You Need to Know: Bulgaria is the latest NATO ally approved to purchase the FGM-148F Javelin anti-tank missile system, following a request for 218 launchers and related equipment in...
A Compact for a Free and Open Black Sea
The Black Sea’s present and future are tied up with the progression and outcome of Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. The world at large has an essential stake in...
Bulgaria’s Energy Crisis Could Spell Domestic Unrest
The Bulgarian government kicked off the new year by conducting a major inspection of the Russian-owned Neftohim oil refinery in Burgas, a Black Sea coastal city. The facility belongs to...
Bulgaria’s Complicated Relationship with Russia amid the Ukraine War
The recent invasion of Ukraine by Russia has brought to light the significance of the Black Sea region for maintaining a balance of power in Europe. However, failure to comprehend...
Cover Blown: Bulgaria Expels Half of Russia’s Diplomatic Corps for Espionage
The Bulgarian government announced on Tuesday that it would expel seventy Russian diplomats—more than half of the country’s diplomatic presence within Bulgaria—over espionage concerns, according to Reuters. Kiril Petkov, Bulgaria’s...
Bulgarian Government in Jeopardy After No-Confidence Vote
A razor-thin majority of lawmakers in Bulgaria’s parliament voted to oust Prime Minister Kiril Petkov from power on Wednesday, citing concerns over a rapidly rising inflation rate and a simmering political...
Russia Ends Gas Shipments to Poland, Bulgaria
Polish and Bulgarian officials confirmed on Tuesday that Russia had halted natural gas deliveries to the two countries after they had refused to pay for the shipments in rubles—a demand...
U.S. Stryker Infantry Fighting Vehicles Deploy to Bolster Bulgaria
The Department of Defense is sending a company of Stryker armored, infantry fighting vehicles to Bulgaria, a NATO ally, to strengthen deterrence against a potential Russian invasion of Ukraine. “These troops...
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin Affirms Commitment to NATO Allies
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke on Thursday at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. Austin traveled to Europe to meet with allies as Russia deployed thousands of troops along Ukraine’s...
That Time the U.S. Air Force Saved the Bulgarian Air Force
Here’s What You Need to Remember: Sofia put out a tender for new fighters to eventually replace the MiG-29s. The government in the summer of 2019 approved a $1.2-billion deal with the...