U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach hosted Bulgarian Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Nikolay Rusev for an official counterpart visit Aug. 18 to reaffirm the bilateral defense relationship, bolster security cooperation and advance shared priorities.
As part of the visit, Rusev received a full-honors arrival at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., before attending an office call with Wilsbach at the Pentagon.
During the office call, Wilsbach underscored the importance of the enduring U.S.-Bulgaria strategic partnership, highlighting Bulgaria as a valued NATO ally and key contributor to deterrence and defense along the alliance's eastern flank. He expressed appreciation for Bulgaria's actions in support of NATO burden-sharing and its alliance commitments. Wilsbach commended the Bulgarian Air Force's progress in modernizing its capabilities, including the delivery and integration of its first eight F-16 Block 70 aircraft and infrastructure upgrades supporting the fleet. He reaffirmed the U.S. Air Force's intent to advance these modernization efforts through continued cooperation.
The office call was followed by staff talks to discuss topics that included the regional security environment, F-16 pilot training and opportunities to deepen allied cooperation and interoperability.
In addition to his engagements in the National Capital Region, Rusev visited Morris Air National Guard Base, Arizona, where he met with 162nd Wing leadership and Bulgarian Air Force personnel receiving F-16 pilot training. He also visited 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.
