Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08SOFIA711
2008-11-06 11:12:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Sofia
Cable title:
BULGARIANS EAGER TO SEE F-16 PROPOSAL
how-toVZCZCXYZ0000 OO RUEHWEB DE RUEHSF #0711 3111112 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 061112Z NOV 08 FM AMEMBASSY SOFIA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5532 INFO RUEHZG/NATO EU COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RHEHAAA/NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE PRIORITY RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO PRIORITY 1002
C O N F I D E N T I A L SOFIA 000711
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/03/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL MARR BU
SUBJECT: BULGARIANS EAGER TO SEE F-16 PROPOSAL
Classified By: Ambassador Nancy McEldowney for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L SOFIA 000711
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/03/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL MARR BU
SUBJECT: BULGARIANS EAGER TO SEE F-16 PROPOSAL
Classified By: Ambassador Nancy McEldowney for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) In a November 3 meeting with Ambassador, President
Parvanov and his Chief of Cabinet, General Kolev, expressed
great interest in seeing the Letter of Agreement for the
eight "Block 25" F-16's for which Defense Minister Tsonev
signed a Letter of Request on October 24. The President said
that while there are "competing political calculations" about
a purchase of multiple aircraft, and several EU countries are
pressuring Bulgaria over a potential deal, Bulgaria will take
its own decision, "in harmony with our national interests."
General Kolev greeted enthusiastically the Ambassador's
suggestion to form a working group to front-load questions
and answers about the proposal.
2. (C) Comment: The purchase of the F-16's will be
high-profile and politically charged. It is clear that other
European countries are actively pressuring Bulgaria to buy
their fighters, while Russia will be eager to prevent
Bulgaria from abandoning its MiGs. The Bulgarians have made
clear that they have taken the decision to buy fighters --
the only question is which one. Bulgarian acquisition of
F-16's will not only increase the capacity of the Bulgarian
Air Force, it will break its dependence on Russia for parts,
logistics, and maintenance of its aircraft and draw our two
militaries into a much closer, long-term relationship. Given
the competing interests and difficult economic times, our
offer must be very attractive to be successful.
McEldowney
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/03/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL MARR BU
SUBJECT: BULGARIANS EAGER TO SEE F-16 PROPOSAL
Classified By: Ambassador Nancy McEldowney for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) In a November 3 meeting with Ambassador, President
Parvanov and his Chief of Cabinet, General Kolev, expressed
great interest in seeing the Letter of Agreement for the
eight "Block 25" F-16's for which Defense Minister Tsonev
signed a Letter of Request on October 24. The President said
that while there are "competing political calculations" about
a purchase of multiple aircraft, and several EU countries are
pressuring Bulgaria over a potential deal, Bulgaria will take
its own decision, "in harmony with our national interests."
General Kolev greeted enthusiastically the Ambassador's
suggestion to form a working group to front-load questions
and answers about the proposal.
2. (C) Comment: The purchase of the F-16's will be
high-profile and politically charged. It is clear that other
European countries are actively pressuring Bulgaria to buy
their fighters, while Russia will be eager to prevent
Bulgaria from abandoning its MiGs. The Bulgarians have made
clear that they have taken the decision to buy fighters --
the only question is which one. Bulgarian acquisition of
F-16's will not only increase the capacity of the Bulgarian
Air Force, it will break its dependence on Russia for parts,
logistics, and maintenance of its aircraft and draw our two
militaries into a much closer, long-term relationship. Given
the competing interests and difficult economic times, our
offer must be very attractive to be successful.
McEldowney