Captain Alexander Velinov has successfully completed his Flight Lead Upgrade Course for the F-16 in Tucson, Arizona

Captain Velinov is part of the first group of four Bulgarian pilots who began their training in the U.S. in the summer of 2020. This rigorous training is part of the international agreement between Bulgaria and the U.S., under the first phase of the "Acquisition of a New Type of Combat Aircraft" investment project (BU-D-SAB). Captain Velinov is the first Bulgarian pilot to complete the comprehensive training programs on T-6, T-38, and F-16 aircraft, meeting all the U.S. Air Force requirements.

The official certification ceremony took place on June 21 in Tucson. Captain Velinov will continue his flight training in the U.S. until the arrival of the F-16 Block 70 aircraft in Bulgaria.

?? Bulgaria is set to receive its first eight F-16 Block 70 jets by the end of 2025, as announced by the interim Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov in April. In total, Bulgaria has ordered 16 F-16 Block 70 aircraft from the U.S., with the next eight expected to arrive in 2027. Currently, six of these aircraft are in various stages of production.

This milestone marks a significant step in enhancing the capabilities of the Bulgarian Air Force. Congratulations to Captain Velinov and all those involved in this monumental achievement!

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