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

Bulgaria has been experiencing shortage of aviation equipment for years

Photo: BTA

During the official presentation of the results of the inspection in the Air Force after the fatal crash of a training airplane at the "Graf Ignatievo" airport, which cost the lives of two pilots, caretaker Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov pointed out that there was a chronic shortage of serviceable aviation equipment. According to Zapryanov, this shortage has been observed for years in all aviation platforms - the MiG-29 fighters, the Su-25 aircraft, the L-39 training aircraft, and even when it comes to the Spartan transport aircraft. The same applies to the Cougar helicopters and especially to the Mi-17 helicopters, the minister pointed out.

The available number of planes and helicopters for operational use is not sufficient to maintain the necessary flight hours of pilots to perform all the tasks and exercises of combat training, Zapryanov also pointed out.

He specified that much of the information in the report is classified and it will be provided to the Air Force Command as well as to the heads of bases.



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

A warning for dangerous rainfall has been issued for 12 regions in Southern Bulgaria

On Friday, the lowest temperatures will be between 4°C and 9°C, reaching up to 12°C in the southeast, around 6°C in Sofia . During the next 24 hours, the weather will remain cloudy. It will rain in almost the entire country. During the day, rainfall..

published on 11/27/25 6:45 PM

Varna mayor Blagomir Kotsev released pending trial on €102,258 bond

The Varna District Court has released the city’s mayor, Blagomir Kotsev, on a financial bond of €102,258. Before the court’s decision was announced, supporters of the mayor and members of the We Continue the Change party gathered outside the..

published on 11/27/25 5:37 PM

Three detained and five police officers injured at last night's protest in Sofia

Three people, including an Italian citizen, were arrested during last night's protest against the adoption of the 2026 budget in front of the National Assembly, the director of the Sofia Directorate of Internal Affairs, Chief Commissioner Lyubomir..

published on 11/27/25 3:50 PM