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

Defence Minister Tagarev: Bulgaria has maintenance problems with its MiG-29s

Todor Tagarev
Photo: BTA

Defence Minister Todor Tagarev admitted that Bulgaria has problems with the maintenance of its MiG-29 aircraft. He added that the planes should remain in service until they are replaced by F-16s. 

"The MiG-29s are upkept with an effort, but their engines cannot be maintained in this way," he said during his hearing at the parliamentary defence committee, as quoted by BGNES news agency. The first batch of F-16 Block 70s should be delivered by 2025, and the last by 2030. "We hope to be able to conclude a contract to overhaul our engines," Tagarev said.

During the hearing, it was revealed that a Bulgarian aircraft has been at an airport in Ukraine for about a year, but its return has been hampered by a lack of safe conditions.



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

Doncho Barbalov

Around 35% of Bulgaria’s exports to the United States could be affected by potential new US tariffs

''The negative impact on Bulgaria from a possible introduction by the U.S. of a 25% tariff on EU goods would amount to USD 678 million . This would mean a 0.49% annual decrease in the country’s total exports compared to the levels without..

published on 7/7/25 8:55 AM

In Gorna Oryahovitsa: An exhibition showcases the history of sugar

Gorna Oryahovitsa is the largest non-district town in Northern Bulgaria. It is located near Bulgaria’s old capital, Veliko Tarnovo, and is an important railway junction. To mark the 155th anniversary of its declaration as a town, the local History..

published on 7/6/25 12:25 PM

Historical festival with international participation takes place near Gabrovo

A historical festival in the "Gradishte" area, where the ruins of an early Byzantine fortress are located, is organized today from 10:00 to 22:00 by the Regional Historical Museum - Gabrovo. The event is on the occasion of 105 years..

published on 7/5/25 5:15 AM