The US offered Bulgaria’s Cabinet three options for the purchase of new Boeing fighter aircraft.

The first option features the purchase of 16 new F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft and 12 older F-5 machines, mediapool.bg reported. F-5 will be used for military trainings.

According to the second offer Bulgaria can purchase 12 used G-18 and 12 F-5 aircraft. The third option features the provision of 12 used F-18 aircraft only.

Bulgaria’s current military equipment priority is the repair and modernisation of the already owned Russian Mig-29, in accordance with the 2004 defence modernisation plan. The same plan, however, features the purchase of 18 nee fighter aircraft.

The tender should be opened in one year and a half. Other companies that are ready to participate include Lockheed Martin with F-16 machines and the Swedish consortium Saab with an offer for Gripen aircraft.

Boeing did not give prices for the offer as these are the subject of negotiations between the US and the Bulgarian government. The company is also ready to offer an offset programme, as several US defence companies already participate in such.