Bulgarian lawmakers today ratified a hefty 1.3-billion US Dollar deal to buy eight F-16 fighter jets from the US in the country's biggest military equipment purchase since the fall of communism three decades ago. Significantly the rate was higher than what other countries have paid for F-16s.<br />'' <br />'' The deal with the US government, equivalent to 1.1 billion Euros, is for eight F-16 Block 70 multi-role fighters including six single-seaters and two double-seat jets. These will replace the NATO country's ageing Soviet-built MiG-29s.   <br />'' <br />'' Lockheed Martin, the US manufacturer of the F-16s, said the US fighters have technology that features in more advanced jets such as the F-35 and F-22. Bulgarian Defence Minister Krasimir Karakachanov said that Bulgaria will be the first Balkan country to have this brand-new version of the aircraft.<br />''