Footage from Bulgaria Shows Mi-24s Boarding Ukrainian An-124, Destination Not Officially Confirmed
Military observers have captured footage of a Ukrainian Antonov An-124-100 transport aircraft
Bulgaria’s 3 Border Patrol Helicopters Grounded over Lack of Insurance
- Tweet
Send to Kindle
Photo by BGNES
The three Augusta helicopters that are supposed to be patrolling Bulgaria’s borders with Serbia, Macedonia, and Turkey have been grounded at the airport in Bezmer due to the lack of aviation insurance.
In November 2014 Bulgaria’s Border Police unit launched a public procurement procedure for the insurance of the three helicopters, according to reports of Pressa daily.
Insurance company Bul Ins won after making the best bid.
However, the procedure was appealed before the Commission for Protection of Competition by a competitor, Generali, and the signing of the insurance contract was blocked.
As a result, the three helicopters have not been patrolling Bulgaria’s external land borders and the Black Sea coast since December 2014.
Bulgaria bought the three helicopters, including two AugustaWestland AW109 Power and an AugustaWestland AW139, in 2011 at the price of EUR 29 M.
The helicopters were bought with EU funding, which was provided to support Bulgaria’s efforts to join the Schengen Area and to enhance security at the EU’s external borders, plus national co-financing.
Related Articles:
'The Picture Is Scary and Sad': Fires Rage Across Bulgaria, EU Aircraft Deployed
Fires continue to rage across various parts of Bulgaria, with firefighting efforts intensifying on multiple fronts. Two firefighting aircraft from Sweden are expected to arrive today to support the ongoing response
Joint Training of Bulgarian and US Naval Forces Enhances Maritime Security
The Bulgarian Naval Forces have been maintaining a heightened state of readiness for mine countermeasures to ensure safe navigation in the country's maritime territory
'Leonardo' Faces Over Half a Million Leva Fine for Medical Helicopter Delays in Bulgaria
The Italian company "Leonardo" S.p.A. has officially informed Bulgaria's Ministry of Health (MoH) about another delay in the delivery of two medical helicopters
Alarming: Delivery of New Medical Helicopters to Bulgaria Delayed Until 2025
The delivery of two new medical helicopters to Bulgaria has been delayed until early next year
Helicopters Deployed to Combat Stara Zagora Wildfire Amid Ongoing Emergency
Two helicopters have been deployed to assist in extinguishing the fire northwest of Stara Zagora
Free but Priceless: Bulgaria to Receive Seven New Minehunters
Bulgaria has finalized a contract to acquire seven minehunter ships, marking a significant step in modernizing the country’s naval capabilities. The announcement came after a government meeting, with outgoing Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov confirming t
Bulgaria to Receive First Stryker Armored Vehicles in February
The initial batch of Stryker armored vehicles is scheduled to be shipped from the United States to Bulgaria in February, with delivery directed to the Terem-Ivaylo military plant in Veliko Tarnovo
Bulgaria Without a Plan: General Warns Country Has No Clear National Strategy
Bulgaria has never established an official national strategy or doctrine, and the state appears reluctant to define long-term objectives
Bulgaria Halts Army Modernization Amid Political Crisis and Extended Budget
Outgoing Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov has signaled that Bulgaria’s political instability and the ongoing extended budget will force a halt in the modernization of the armed forces until a new budget is approved and recruitment of new personnel is pau
From F-16s to Legislative Reforms: Bulgaria’s Armed Forces in 2025
Bulgaria’s Armed Forces in 2025: Pay Increases, F-16 Deliveries, and Legislative Updates
22 Years After Karbala: How Bulgaria Continues to Honor Its Fallen Soldiers
Twenty-two years have passed since the deadly attack in the Iraqi city of Karbala that claimed the lives of five Bulgarian servicemen
