Bulgaria has allocated 55 million euros for the maintenance of outdated Russian MiG-29 and Su-25 fighters.
Bulgarian Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov stated this in parliament, answering questions from deputies in parliament. According to the head of the defense department, expenses are planned for 2026.
Calculations take into account the annual costs of maintenance, spare parts, fuel and other operational needs of both types, Zapryanov explained.
The Minister emphasized that the MiG-29 and Su-25 will not be taken out of service until the F-16 is fully operational, in order to avoid weakening the combat capability of the Air Force and creating gaps in air defense country.
Bulgaria previously signed a $2.5 billion contract with the United States for the supply of 16 F-16 fighters to replace its fleet of about 15 MiG-29s.