Sofia, 25 November 2022 (dpa/MIA) – The Bulgarian parliament on Friday approved the purchase of a further eight US-made F-16 jets to replace its ageing Soviet-made MiG-29s. The deal, which includes additional services, is reported to be worth almost $1.3 billion. It was opposed by the Socialist Party and by the overtly pro-Russian Revival party. The NATO member bought eight F-16s in 2019, which are set to be delivered only in 2025 after delays. The additional jets will go to make up a complete F-16 squadron. The country, which lies on the Black Sea across from Ukraine, is currently dependent on NATO partners for the defence of its airspace.