Bulgarian Defence Minister Nikolay Nenchev said on Wednesday that the contracts with Poland on the repair of the MiG-29 fighter jets are expected to be finalised at the end of August.

This became clear from the minutes of the regular meeting of the Council of Ministers, when Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov asked Nenchev on the progress of the negotiations.

The defence minister responded by stating that an intergovernmental agreement will most probably be signed at the end of the month.

This is most likely to occur between August 27 and 29, when the Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Tomasz Siemoniak is scheduled to visit Bulgaria.

Nenchev also added that a memorandum of understanding and cooperation will most likely be concluded.

The minister revealed that the contracts have been finalised and expressed hope that these will be signed soon.

However he hinted at a procedure, which takes longer in some cases.

The current contract with Russia on the maintenance of the Soviet fighter jets expires in September and will not be renewed due to the Russian offer being too expensive.

In the words of Nenchev Russia requested BGN 80 M for the maintenance of the jets.

In the beginning of July, the defence minister was granted mandate to start negotiations on the acquisition of new fighter jets.

However it still remains unclear whether Bulgaria will purchase brand new jets or acquire second-hand ones.

Belgium, the Netherlands and Greece are offering second-hand aircraft, but negotiations with producers on the purchase of new jets are also possible.

In order to ensure the proper functioning of the Bulgarian Air Force, at least a squadron of nine airplanes should be purchased.

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