Bulgaria explores second-hand fighter jet options amid F-16 delay

Bulgaria's Defence Ministry is exploring options to acquire second-hand fighter jets following delays to the delivery of the country's second batch of F-16 aircraft, the ministry told Bulgarian National Television (BNT).

The statement came after Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said Poland was prepared to sell its MiG-29 fighter jets to Bulgaria if Warsaw and Kyiv failed to reach an agreement in the coming weeks.

The ministry said it was assessing various options to maintain the operational capabilities of the Bulgarian Air Force. The delay in the delivery of the second batch of eight F-16 Block 70 aircraft has made it necessary to take measures to ensure the Air Force can continue carrying out its air policing missions.

In that context, the ministry has approached several countries, including Poland and Hungary, about the availability of aircraft and spare parts.

• Sofia hopes to receive MiG-29 spare parts from Warsaw

Editor: Miglena Ivanova