Bulgaria's Chief Border Police Directorate has received three new helicopters, provided under the Schengen instrument.

The country's Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov, Defense Minister Gen. Anyu Angelov and Secretary-General to the Interior Ministry Kalin Georgiev attended the official ceremony at the Sofia Airport on Saturday.

"The introduction of aerial surveillance is a priority for Bulgaria. The achievement of EU standards and protection of EU's external borders requires integration of land, air and sea control," said Ugo Rossini, Vice-President of the aircraft manufacturer AgustaWestland.

The total value of the helicopters is more than EUR 29 M.

The machines offer opportunities for fast reactions, cover of a large area of observation and duration of the flight, Rossini explained and added that their introduction will guarantee the performance of the duties of the Border Police regarding search and rescue at sea.

"With the delivery of these helicopters, together with the previous ones, as well as the boats that run on the Danube River and Black Sea, I think we are technically ready to join the Schengen agreement," Borisov said.

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