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

Sofia to host the Operalia competition for young opera singers for the first time

Opera stars Sonya Yoncheva and Plácido Domingo will bring to Sofia a host of opera managers and 32 young opera singers from 17 countries across five continents. From October 20 to 26, the world’s most prestigious competition for young opera singers,..

published on 9/16/25 11:23 AM

Belgium and the Netherlands to transfer 7 MCM vessels to Bulgaria

Belgium and the Netherlands will transfer seven Tripartite  mine countermeasure vessels to Bulgaria free of charge, Naval News reported, citing the Belgian Ministry of Defence. The decision was approved by the Belgian government on September..

published on 9/16/25 9:58 AM

Bulgarian police arrest a Russian national in connection with the 2020 Beirut port explosion

The Russian owner of the cargo ship linked to a supply of ammonium nitrate at the centre of the devastating explosion at the Port of Beirut in 2020 has been arrested in Bulgaria. Igor Grechushkin is wanted by Interpol, along with the ship's captain,..

published on 9/16/25 9:19 AM