The delay in the repair of “Graf Ignatievo“ it may turn out to be bigger than the military makes it out to be. After it became clear in March that there was a risk that it would not be completed on time and that the adoption of the F-16 would be delayed, the Ministry of Defense has launched a public procurement to extend the life of more of the MiG-29 aircraft, revealed "< a href="https://www.24chasa.bg/bulgaria/article/17610835" target="_blank">24 hours".
Soviet fighter jets are the only ones our military currently has to guard the skies. Many of them, however, have an expiring resource - also because of the difficult procurement of parts, but mostly because of the impossible repair. They are mainly served by warring Ukraine and Russia.
According to unofficial information, only five MiG-29s are airworthy and must be used until the arrival of the F-16s. The first American fighter jets are expected here at the beginning of 2025, but in order to receive them, the repair and expansion of “Graf Ignatievo“ must be completed. The 2023 State of the Armed Forces report noted serious delays there. In addition, at the end of the year, a problem appeared - the new runway was flooded. A project for its repair is still being prepared. And if the repairs are not completed on time, Bulgaria will have to pay the USA to store our new fighters.