Bulgaria signs deal to buy 10 Russian engines for ageing fleet
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SOFIA - Bulgaria's defence ministry has signed a 21.8-million euro ($23.75 million) contract with Sofia-based company Aviostart for the supply of 10 Russian engines for its ageing fleet of Russian MiG-29 jet fighters, it said on Thursday.
The deal includes the supply of four new and six repaired engines. The first two engines will be delivered by the end of next April, the ministry said, adding that the deal will ensure the operations of the Black Sea country's air forces.
"Bulgaria has nine operational aircraft at the moment and the deal, which was signed on Wednesday, would allow this number to rise to 14," the defence ministry spokesman said.
Last year Bulgaria signed an agreement with NATO ally Poland to repair six MiG-29 fighter jets, part of a push by the Balkan country to reduce its reliance on Russia.
