Bulgaria, due to delivery delays, is looking for used fighter jets, which potentially threatens supplies for Ukraine
Kyiv • UNN
Bulgaria is considering the purchase of used F-16s or Gripens due to delays in new aircraft. Defense Express warns of potential competition for aircraft for Ukraine.
Bulgaria is considering the possibility of purchasing used F-16 or Gripen fighters due to delays in the delivery of new American F-16 Block 70s. Defense Express notes that such plans could create competition for combat aircraft that could potentially strengthen the Ukrainian Air Force, reports UNN.
Details
According to Sofia Globe, the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense is seeking ways to maintain the combat capability of its Air Force until all ordered F-16 Block 70s reach full operational readiness.
In parallel, Sofia continues to search for spare parts for its existing MiG-29s. In particular, Bulgaria previously showed interest in components from Polish fighters, and has now made a corresponding request to Hungary, which keeps its MiG-29s in storage after decommissioning.
Defense Express sees a potential risk for Ukraine
As Defense Express notes, if Bulgaria acquires combat-ready used F-16s or Gripens, this could reduce the number of aircraft that could theoretically be available for transfer to Ukraine. At the same time, the publication emphasizes that it is currently unknown which countries Sofia has approached with requests to purchase such fighters.
Furthermore, it cannot be ruled out that Bulgaria is considering the purchase not only of spare parts but also of the Polish MiG-29s themselves, if any serviceable aircraft remain among them.
At the same time, there are currently no grounds to speak of a direct threat to fighter supplies to Ukraine. Bulgaria is only studying possible purchase options, official negotiations have not yet begun, and information about potential sellers of the aircraft is not disclosed.
The reason for these steps was delays in the execution of American contracts. The first eight F-16s ordered by Bulgaria in 2019 were delivered only at the end of last year, while the delivery timelines for the second batch of eight aircraft ordered in 2022 remain unknown.
DBR investigates the crash of an F-16 fighter jet in Poltava region30.07.26, 12:37 • 12531 view