BULGARIANS EAGER TO SEE F-16 PROPOSAL

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