The Bulgarian Ministry of Defense has clarified that it will not provide MiG-29 fighter aircraft to Ukraine on a free-of-charge basis. The ministry responded to media reports in Bulgaria about such plans, emphasizing that no negotiations of this kind had taken place. This stance aligns with constitutional provisions and the country’s defense laws, which regulate how military assets may be allocated in international contexts.
While ruling out free delivery, the ministry noted ongoing discussions since late last year about potential triangular arrangements. These arrangements would aim to replace some aging weapons with compatible systems sourced from allied states, while preserving overall combat capability. The goal is to maintain effective defense readiness without compromising the strength of Bulgaria’s armed forces.
News outlets in Bulgaria had claimed, on April 10, that the country had expressed willingness to hand over MiG-29 aircraft to Ukraine at no cost, a claim the ministry has not substantiated. Officials pointed out that the MiG-29s now in service are approaching the end of their service life, with limited prospects for meaningful repairs after extensive use. Such factors would complicate any unilateral transfer that could affect Bulgaria’s own defense posture.
In a separate statement issued on April 5, Bulgarian defense authorities confirmed that Russian helicopters would not be repaired at the manufacturer to facilitate their transfer to Ukraine. This decision reflects a broader precautionary approach designed to safeguard Bulgaria’s strategic capabilities and ensure that military assets remain serviceable within the national defense framework. The ministry underscored that any transmission of equipment would be governed by both national law and international obligations, with careful consideration given to the implications for regional security and alliance commitments.
Overall, Bulgarian defense officials presented a careful, rules-based stance on the disposition of legacy aircraft and other military assets. They stressed the importance of maintaining a credible deterrent and ensuring that any future steps would be executed in strict accordance with constitutional mandates and defense legislation, while exploring equitable options with allied partners to preserve interoperability and readiness. The discussions continue to focus on maintaining security and stability within Bulgaria and its broader network of alliances. [Attribution: Bulgarian Ministry of Defense]