Bulgaria's ministry of defence on 22 December announced its intention to terminate a contract with Russia's RSK MiG for the upgrade of 20 of its air force MiG-29 fighters, writes Arie Egozi. Conducted in co-operation with Thales, the work is being carried out under a $64 million contract awarded last February. Seven fighters have so far been upgraded to NATO standards.
EADS has joined forces with Israel Aircraft Industries to pursue the contract, and Lockheed Martin has teamed with Elbit Systems of Israel. As there are no funds earmarked for the upgrade in Bulgaria's 2004 budget, the ministry hopes to agree a credit with the winning company to conduct the revamp.
Source: Flight International
