Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

France has responded favorably to Bulgarian request for fighter aircraft

Bulgaria needs to replace MiG-29s until the arrival of the first F-16s it has purchased from the US.
Photo: BGNES

In addition to Sweden, France has also responded positively to Bulgaria's request for fighter jets to replace MiG-29s until the arrival of the first F-16s from the US, Brigadier General Nikolai Rusev, commander of Graf Ignatievo airbase, told BNR. 

Italy and the Netherlands have indicated that they cannot provide Bulgaria with fighter jets.
"Meetings with representatives of France and Sweden are planned to discuss the offers. Bulgaria's requests are for 10 aircraft - eight single-seaters and two two-seaters, to be received in 2023," Rusev said. He added that it is better for Bulgaria to buy the fighter jets and not just rent them



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Fourth air ambulance helicopter arrives in Bulgaria

Bulgaria has received its fourth air ambulance helicopter.  “The new aircraft will be based at the Georgi Benkovski Air Force Academy hangar in Dolna Mitropolia. From there, it will serve a wide regional area and make a significant contribution to the..

published on 10/17/25 4:24 PM

BNR will host 2025 Public Broadcasters International conference

The Bulgarian National Radio will host the 2025  Public Broadcasters International (PBI) Annual Conference . The prestigious forum will be held from 20 to 22 October for the first time in the Bulgarian capital Sofia. The theme of the PBI..

published on 10/17/25 3:34 PM
Plamen Dimitrov

Bulgarian union leader warns of BGN 17–18 billion shortfall in draft budget

Plamen Dimitrov, president of Bulgaria’s largest trade union, the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB), has warned of a potential shortfall of around 17–18 billion leva (EUR 8.7–9.2 billion) in next year’s draft budget...

published on 10/17/25 3:16 PM