Bulgaria looks beyond MiG-29 retirement
The end of service for the Bulgarian MiG-29 fleet is in sight, but the type is expected to remain good for use until mid-2023. (Photo: Alexander Mladenov)
The Bulgarian MoD is examining various options to retain a crucial NATO Air Policing capability for the foreseeable future, including second-hand leasing as an interim solution before the introduction of recently ordered F-16V Block 70 aircraft.
The Bulgarian Air Force (BuAF) fleet of MiG-29 and MiG-29UB fighters can remain operational until mid-2023 but beyond that date, and unless a replacement is procured, Sofia will be unable to provide an independent Air Policing mission within the NATO Integrated Air Defence and Missile Defence System (NATINAMDS).
NATO Air Policing plans call for a pair of fighters to be kept on quick reaction alert (QRA) duty around the clock.
The BuAF MiG-29 fleet had been maintained by the Russian OEM MiG, which delivered spare parts, MRO services and technical support.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, however, this support
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order]()
Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order
The first of the 12 M-346 aircraft are expected to be delivered to the Austrian Air Force by 2028, according to the company.
-
![2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending]()
2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending
Qatar and Indonesia followed the US’s high spending on new uncrewed aerial vehicle contracts across 2025, while MALE and micro drones and loitering munitions were particularly popular subcategories this year.
-
![German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery]()
German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery
With all 31 aircraft set to be delivered by 2030, the helicopters will gradually replace the ageing Sea Lynx fleet which are due to be retired in 2026.
