The Bulgarian Ministry of Defense published on its website answers to questions asked by the Bulgarian President in relation with the contracts for acquisition of 8 new F-16 Bloc 70 fighter aircraft amounting to EUR 1.1 billion excluding VAT. The Bulgarian Defense Ministry expects that the initial operability of the fighter aircraft will be reached at the end of the fifth year after the conclusion of the contract when the training of the pilots and the engineering and technical staff will end. The Defense Ministry reminds that the contracts do not envisage the construction of the necessary infrastructure and the amount necessary for construction of this infrastructure will be announced after the completion of the procedures under the Public Procurement Law. Other supply and service contracts related to the lifespan of the fighter aircraft will be signed as well.