The Bulgarian government contacted some of the biggest aircraft producers to renew its fleet of fighter jets, The Independent reported.

According to the publication the value of the agreement was expected to reach one billion dollars.

Boeing and the Swedish Gripen already expressed their interest in the procedure. Another company, Eurofighter would also probably participate but has not stated clearly its position yet.

Bulgaria owns a fleet of Russian MiG-29 and is currently looking for new aircraft. The state is expected to purchase between 16 and 30 new machines.

So far the Defence Ministry has requested information from companies as a first part of the tender procedure that could continue several years, The Independent reported.

The Independent reported that the launch of the procedure was delayed as Bulgaria previously lacked funds. It was still unclear how the state would pay for the purchase.