Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Bulgarian authorities make new attempt to buy emergency aid helicopters

Photo: EPA/BGNES

Bulgaria's Ministry of Health has announced a procedure without prior notice for the purchase of six helicopters for emergency medical assistance, the department announced. The decision to switch to direct negotiation was made after only one participant appeared in the previous procedure and offered a price above the one set in the draft budget. 

The state now hopes that the same company, Leonardo S.p.A., will improve its bid and be able to deliver the first helicopter within 2023.

Currently, Bulgaria is the only member state of the European Union that does not have an emergency aid helicopter.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Draft Budget Signals Lower Minimum Wage but Higher Pension Contributions

Bulgaria’s draft social security budget indicates that the minimum wage from 1 January 2026 will be lower than the level set out in the Labour Code , BNR “Horizont” reports. According to sources, the minimum wage will be €605 rather than €620 (BGN..

published on 10/28/25 4:48 PM

The Bulgarian section of the Vertical Gas Corridor to be completed by end of 2026, Energy minister says

Bulgaria’s Vertical Gas Corridor project is on track for completion by the end of 2026 , according to Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov, who stressed that it would help the country maintain its strategic position in South East Europe. Accompanied by..

published on 10/28/25 2:55 PM

Ruling parties agree to rotate parliament speaker

Bulgaria’s coalition parties have agreed to introduce a rotating chairmanship of the National Assembly.  At today’s joint governance council meeting, members also discussed next year’s draft budget.  Kostadin Angelov, Deputy Chairman of..

published on 10/28/25 2:42 PM