Bulgaria approves fighter jets service deal with Poland

The Bulgarian government has given the green light to plans for Poland to service its Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets, as an intent to limit dependence on Russia, Reuters reported. "The defence ministry carried out a study within the EU and NATO on integrated logistical support for MiG-29s," the ministry said. "It found that Poland is the only country in the designated circle with the ability to maintain and repair the MiG-29s." The deal must still be ratified by parliament, where Prime Minister Boiko Borisov's centre-right coalition has a majority. "We will do everything possible to reduce our dependence on Russia," Bulgaria's Defense Minister Nikolay Nenchev  told Reuters earlier. "Bulgaria is the only NATO member that is almost 90 percent dependent on Russia. It worries me very much and I would not like to continue in this way." Bulgaria's contract with Russia expires at the end of September. "We need to repair six of our engines and we have made serious efforts to find an alternative," Nenchev said. "We held very dynamic talks with Poland for several months and I think we could sign a contract this month."  He also added that the price offered by Poland was cheaper than Russia's.