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

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.



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

Bulgaria wants to invite mayors from Taraclia to gain insight into how the European Union functions

Bulgaria supports the start of EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, said Bulgaria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Georg Georgiev during the EU Foreign Affairs Council held in Luxembourg. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos..

published on 10/21/25 9:54 AM

President Radev appoints ambassadors to Belgium, the Netherlands and Kazakhstan

President Rumen Radev has issued decrees appointing Bulgarian ambassadors to the Kingdom of Belgium, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Republic of Kazakhstan. The decrees were published in the State Gazette, reported BTA. Natalia Evgenieva..

published on 10/21/25 9:14 AM

Sofia’s Da Fest explores signals from an uncertain world

The 10th edition of the International Festival Da Fest presents works by leading global digital artists. Organised by Da Lab and the National Academy of Art, the five-day event begins today in Sofia. This year's theme, “Anxiety: Signals from an..

published on 10/21/25 9:05 AM