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Experts: Sweden and France may provide Bulgaria with fighter jets to replace the Mig-29s

Bulgaria will not receive its 8 US F-16s before 2025.
Photo: BGNES

Sweden and France are the only two countries that can provide replacement fighter jets until the first eight US F-16s ordered and paid for by Bulgaria arrive in the country, military experts have concluded. 

The Swedish Gripen and the French Mirage 2000 are the two most realistic options for Bulgaria, which must finally land its Mig-29s by the end of 2023, but will not get its first F-16s until then. The US was supposed to deliver the fighter jets in 2023, but during the Covid-19 pandemic it became clear that production would be delayed until 2025.
Italy, the Netherlands and Spain have reacted negatively to Bulgaria's expectations for replacement jets.



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