ENDURING TURBULENT TIMES

Alexander Mladenov and Krassimir Grozev look at the transformation of this small European air arm that s till relies on So viet-era frontline jets.

Bulgarian Air Force

As the air arm’s premier fighter, the MiG-29 remains the most prized Bulgarian Air Force asset, and strenuous eff orts have been made to keep the fleet serviceable pending the introduction of a multi-role replacement. Twelve single-seaters are still active.
All photos Alexander Mladenov

S ERIOUS CHALLENGES face the Bulgarian Air Force (Bulgarski Voennovazdushni Sili – BVVS) in maintaining its existing and diverse fleet, but these may ease with plans in place to procure Western-made fighters in the foreseeable future and to train its pilots to enhanced standards.

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