USAF chief Gen. Wilsbach holds talks with Bulgarian air force commander Maj. Gen. Nikolay Rusev

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach hosted Bulgarian Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Nikolay Rusev in Washington on Aug. 18, a visit aimed at reinforcing bilateral defense ties, deepening security cooperation and advancing shared priorities, the Air Force said.

Rusev received a full-honors arrival at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling before an office call at the Pentagon. During the meeting, Wilsbach emphasized the enduring U.S.-Bulgaria strategic partnership, describing Bulgaria as a valued NATO ally and key contributor to deterrence and defense along the alliance’s eastern flank, according to the Air Force. He also noted Bulgaria’s progress in modernizing its air force, including the delivery and integration of its first eight F-16 Block 70 aircraft and related infrastructure upgrades, and affirmed continued U.S. support for those efforts.

Staff talks following the office call covered the regional security environment, F-16 pilot training and ways to deepen allied cooperation and interoperability.

Beyond Washington, Rusev visited Morris Air National Guard Base in Arizona to meet 162nd Wing leaders and Bulgarian personnel undergoing F-16 pilot training. He also traveled to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, for briefings on Exercise Red Flag, the U.S. Air Force Weapons School and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

Bulgaria, a NATO member since 2004, is replacing its Soviet-era fighters with F-16s to align more closely with alliance standards and strengthen air policing and deterrence in the Black Sea region. The 162nd Wing in Tucson serves as a key U.S. hub for training international F-16 pilots, while Nellis hosts large-force exercises and advanced tactics instruction that underpin allied interoperability.