Defence Minister Anyu Angelov plans to propose to Cabinet by the end of October to buy new fighter jets for the Air Force, the Sofia News Agency (Novinite.com) reported.
If government approves the proposal, it will mandate Angelov to hold formal talks with potential suppliers.
Government will hold a tender for the purchase of fighter jets only if it decides to buy new planes but not if it decides to go for second-hand jets.
Bulgaria will most likely buy eight new fighter jets, making its choice from among the offers of Sweden's Gripen, US-made F-16, and Eurofighter Typhoon.