Bulgaria has sent request for proposals (RFP) for the supply of up to 16 new or used multipurpose fighter jets to seven countries, the defence ministry told SeeNews on Thursday.
The country has invited the United States, Portugal, France, Germany, Israel, Italy and Sweden, to submit their offers until October 1, a defence ministry press officer told SeeNews by phone.
Bulgaria expects to receive proposals for the supply of new or used F-16 and F/A-18 Super Hornet jets from the United States, Dassault Rafale from France and Gripen C/D from Sweden, as well as new Eurofighter 3 Tranche jets from Germany and used F-16 from Portugal and Israel. Italy was invited to offer used Eurofighter Tranche 1 fighter jets.
In June, Bulgaria’s parliament approved a plan for the acquisition of NATO-compatible combat aircraft, to replace the ageing fleet of Russian-made MiG-29 jets of the country's Air Force. According to the plan, the aircraft will be purchased in two stages.