Bulgaria weighs buying used F-16s and Gripens as new jet deliveries stall

Bulgaria's Ministry of Defense is studying options to acquire used combat aircraft, including second‑hand F‑16s, Swedish JAS‑39 Gripen C/D, and possibly Polish MiG‑29s, because deliveries of the eight F‑16 Block 70/72 Vipers ordered in 2022 have been delayed. The first batch of eight F‑16s ordered in 2019 arrived only at the end of last year, while the timeline for the second batch remains uncertain.

The procurement plan could affect the pool of aircraft that might be transferred to Ukraine, although no formal negotiations have begun and potential sellers have not been disclosed. Bulgaria has requested offers from Sweden, France, the United States and Israel, and is also seeking spare parts for its existing MiG‑29 fleet. The move reflects concerns about maintaining air‑space protection until the new jets become operational.