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

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov supports the peace plan for Ukraine

“Borders cannot be changed by force, and Ukraine’s long-term security must be guaranteed”, Bulgaria’s Premier Rossen Zhelyazkov said during a videoconference meeting of the “Coalition of the Willing”, led by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK..

published on 11/26/25 8:57 AM

Bulgaria and China discuss cooperation in the automotive sector

Business forum on the topic "Bulgaria - China: cooperation in the automotive sector" is being held on November 26 in Sofia. Its organizers are the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Embassy of the People's Republic of..

published on 11/26/25 7:30 AM

Draft budget 2026 sparks protests

The Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association has called for participation in a protest on November 26 against the budget for 2026, which is about to be adopted at second reading. "We call not only our members, but also all..

published on 11/26/25 6:50 AM