The repair work will be conducted at the Polish company’s facility, ensuring that each engine is meticulously refurbished within a nine-month timeframe. This move comes as Bulgaria seeks to maintain the operational capabilities of its existing MiG-29 fleet.
The decision to repair these engines was reached through a competitive public procurement process. The objective is to ensure the continued airworthiness of the MiG-29s until the arrival of new F-16 Block 70 fighter jets, which are expected to join the Bulgarian Air Force in the coming years.
Bulgaria has ordered two sets of eight F-16 Lockheed Martin fighter aircraft from the United States. However, these advanced planes are not anticipated to be delivered before 2025 and 2029, respectively. As the country awaits the arrival of the F-16s, it is taking proactive steps to uphold the operational readiness of its current fighter fleet.