Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov
Bulgaria will continue operating its MiG-29 fighter jets to protect its airspace and meet its NATO obligations until the new F-16 Block 70 aircraft become fully operational, Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said in a written response to a parliamentary question.
The response, published on the National Assembly website, came after Democratic Bulgaria MP Ivaylo Mirchev asked whether the Defense Ministry had contacted Poland about a possible purchase of MiG-29 aircraft.
Stoyanov confirmed that Bulgaria had sent inquiries to several countries regarding available aircraft and spare parts. However, he stressed that the interest in MiG-29s was not aimed at expanding the fleet, but at securing components needed to maintain the existing aircraft.
“The current shortage of spare components, units and assemblies for the MiG-29 aircraft has not affected any of the main tasks of the Bulgarian Air Force,” the minister said.
