---
title: "Bulgaria vs. the 'Soviet Aviation Graveyard': Scandal over MiG-29 spare parts procurement"
description: "A scandal has erupted in Bulgaria: the opposition has accused the Defense Minister of attempting to turn the country into a 'graveyard of Soviet aviation' due to a request for MiG-29 spare parts. 🇧🇬✈️ Protesters even parked a 'Moskvich' outside the Ministry of Defense, demanding a transition to NATO equipment. 🚗🚫"
date: 2026-08-02T13:35:33.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/bulgaria-vs-soviet-aviation-graveyard-scandal-over-mig-29-parts
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Bulgaria vs. the 'Soviet Aviation Graveyard': Scandal over MiG-29 spare parts procurement

![Bulgarian MiG-29 fighters in flight over mountains, alongside portrait of Bulgarian politician with national flag, illustrating scandal over spare parts purchase for Soviet-era aircraft](https://xab.info/media/2026/08/02/bolgariya-protiv-kladbishcha-sovetskoy-aviatsii-skandal-vokrug-mig-29/bolgariya-protiv-kladbishcha-sovetskoy-aviatsii-skandal-vokrug-mig-29-1.webp)

A sharp political conflict has erupted in the Bulgarian parliament regarding the modernization of the Air Force. Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov is at the center of attention, as his actions to source spare parts for Soviet fighters have triggered a fierce reaction from the opposition. Proponents of a course for full integration with the West have accused the head of the ministry of attempting to turn the country into a 'graveyard of Soviet aviation'.

### Scandal over the request to Poland

The trigger for the debate was a request sent by Minister Stoyanov on July 24. In the document addressed to Poland, Hungary, and several other countries, Bulgaria inquired about the availability of MiG-29 fighters and, more importantly, components for them. The minister himself emphasized that the discussion was exclusively about spare parts to keep current aircraft operational, not about purchasing new planes.

However, this move was perceived by political opponents as a step backward. Ivaylo Mirchev, a deputy from the 'Democratic Bulgaria' coalition, harshly criticized the idea of purchasing Polish spare parts. In his opinion, while the country should strive for rearmament according to NATO standards, the Ministry of Defense leadership is busy searching for Soviet units.

'Bulgaria should not turn into a graveyard of Soviet aviation,' Mirchev stated, pointing out that Alliance countries are already massively abandoning MiG-29s. Radoslav Rybarski, a deputy from the 'We Continue the Changes' party, supported this view, calling for state resources not to be wasted on restoring outdated equipment.

### 'Moskvich' at the Ministry of Defense building

The protest went beyond parliamentary tribunes and moved into the realm of street political satire. The youth organization 'Yes, Bulgaria', part of the 'Democratic Bulgaria' coalition, staged a protest right at the entrance to the Ministry of Defense building.

Activists parked an old Soviet 'Moskvich' car near the ministry. This gesture was intended to highlight the absurdity, in the opposition's view, of attempts to extend the life of old military equipment. Organization representative Todor Petrov stated that Stoyanov is taking unjustified steps and demonstrating nostalgia for the socialist past.

'Instead of turning Bulgaria into a Porsche, he is turning the country and the Bulgarian army into a "Moskvich"', Petrov summarized, hinting that the minister is trying to 'fix' what should be replaced with modern Western equipment.

### Competition for Polish MiG-29s

The situation is exacerbated by the fact that not only Sofia is vying for Polish fighters. Ukraine is also conducting active negotiations with Warsaw regarding the acquisition of MiG-29s. Kyiv is considering the possibility of exchanging these aircraft for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology.

However, the technical condition of the Polish machines raises questions. A Ukrainian delegation, after inspecting the equipment, concluded that the aircraft are in a deplorable state. Kyiv stated that it is ready to accept the fighters only on the condition that Poland conducts their full modernization at its own expense. Thus, Bulgaria risks finding itself in a situation where even spare parts for Soviet equipment become a scarce and contentious resource against the backdrop of neighbors' geopolitical interests.