site.btaContract for Repair of Bulgarian An-30 Aircraft Extended until August 2, 2026, Defence Minister Says

Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said during Question Time in Parliament on Friday that the contract for the overhaul of the Bulgarian Air Force's An-30 transport aircraft with Ukrainian company Ukrainmash has been extended until August 2, 2026.

Responding to a question from Vazrazhdane MP Ivelin Parvanov regarding the return of the aircraft to the Bulgarian Air Force after its overhaul in Ukraine, Stoyanov said the implementation of the contract signed in October 2020 had been seriously hindered by force majeure circumstances.

The delays were initially caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently by the state of war in Ukraine, the Minister said. As a result, the contract deadline has been extended several times. The latest extension, approved by the previous government, runs until August 2, 2026, he added.

According to Stoyanov, the contractor has repeatedly confirmed its readiness to complete the overhaul and return the aircraft. He said the Defence Ministry maintains constant oversight of the contract.

The Minister added that the financial risk was covered by performance and advance-payment guarantees in the form of insurance policies valid until September 2, 2026. He also rejected claims by Parvanov that the aircraft was being used by Ukraine.