Bulgaria has approached the purchase of the second batch of eight new F-16 aircraft and related equipment in a deal worth $1.30 billion, Acting Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said.

The U.S. approved the potential sale in April.

The new package includes airborne and air strike capabilities, which means we will have one full squadron of 16 aircraft, Stoyanov said.

The first F-16s are expected to be delivered to Bulgaria in 2025, and the country hopes to lease other warplanes to fill the gap and protect the country's airspace.

Bulgaria has already sent requests to the U.S., Israel, the Netherlands, France and Sweden to lease warplanes that could be used to patrol the airspace.