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

Atanas Atanasov

The Parliamentary Committee for Oversight of the Security Services to hold a session on the F-16 case

"I would not presume to comment on what I know or do not know about the F-16 fighter jet. Everything must follow the proper procedure", National Assembly Deputy Speaker Atanas Atanasov said in an interview with BNR. On May 7, he is convening a..

published on 5/7/25 6:50 AM

130 animated films from 100 countries will compete for the Golden Kuker award

From May 7 to 11, Sofia will host the 16th International Animation Film Festival “Golden Kuker”, the organizers announced. Ten awards will be presented in ten separate categories. A national competition for the best Bulgarian animated film is also..

published on 5/7/25 6:05 AM

Yellow code alert for intense rainfall across the country on Wednesday

Overnight, cumulonimbus clouds will develop over the western half of the country, bringing intense short-term rain showers in some areas. Hail is also possible. By Wednesday morning, the rainfall is expected to reach the eastern regions as well. The..

published on 5/6/25 6:30 PM