EADS has started negotiations with Bulgaria for the upgrade of 20 RSKMiG-29Fulcrums with western-standard equipment, while the Ukraine is seeking Russian support to upgrade its MiG-29s.
Bulgaria had sought data to buy secondhand Lockheed Martin F-16s or Saab/BAE Systems Gripen but decided last month to retain its MiG-29s until at least the end of this decade.
EADSsays the deal will be worth €50-100 million ($45-90 million) depending on the level of upgrade selected. The company says deliveries could begin early next year and that it will work with local industry.
Bulgaria also plans to retire its MikoyanMiG-23 Floggers at the end of this year.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian deputy defence minister for armaments Oleksandr Stetsenko says that the air force's MiG-29s will be modernised in co-operation with Russian industry.
Source: Flight International
