Bulgaria Seeks to Acquire Poland’s MiG-29 Fighter Jets
Sofia/Warsaw — July 2026 — Bulgaria has expressed interest in acquiring Poland’s MiG-29 fighter jets, according to reports, as the country looks to strengthen its air force while continuing the transition to newer Western-made aircraft.
The potential deal would involve aircraft that Poland is gradually retiring from service as it modernizes its fleet with advanced fighter jets, including the F-35 and FA-50.
Temporary Solution During Fleet Modernization
Bulgaria has been modernizing its air force through the purchase of F-16 Block 70 fighter aircraft from the United States. However, as deliveries continue, Sofia has been seeking ways to maintain sufficient operational capabilities.
Acquiring additional MiG-29s could provide a temporary solution by extending Bulgaria’s ability to perform air policing and national defense missions until the new generation of aircraft is fully operational.
Defense analysts note that both Poland and Bulgaria have extensive experience operating Soviet-designed MiG-29 fighters, potentially simplifying integration and maintenance.
Poland Continues Air Force Modernization
Poland has been steadily replacing its aging Soviet-era aircraft with modern Western platforms as part of one of Europe’s largest military modernization programs.
The retirement of MiG-29 fighters has created opportunities for potential transfers to allied countries that continue operating the aircraft.
Any transaction would require technical assessments, governmental approvals, and coordination between the two NATO allies.
Regional Security Considerations
The reported interest comes as countries across Central and Eastern Europe continue investing heavily in defense capabilities following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
NATO members in the region have accelerated military modernization programs while seeking to maintain operational readiness during the transition to newer equipment.
Defense experts say interoperability and fleet availability remain key priorities for allied air forces.
No Final Agreement Announced
Bulgarian and Polish authorities have not announced a final agreement regarding the proposed acquisition.
Further negotiations, if they proceed, are expected to address issues such as aircraft condition, maintenance requirements, delivery schedules, and financial terms.
The reported discussions reflect Bulgaria’s broader efforts to ensure the continuity of its air defense capabilities while completing long-term modernization plans.
