site.btaAir Force Commander: True Solution for Future of Bulgarian Military Aviation Is Acquisition of New Type of Fighter Aircraft

Air Force Commander: True Solution for Future of Bulgarian Military Aviation Is Acquisition of New Type of Fighter Aircraft

Sofia, January 28 (BTA) - Bulgarian Air Force Commander Gen. Maj. Roumen Radev believes that the true solution for the future of the Bulgarian combat aviation and its capacity to carry its ally's commitments, is acquisition of a new type of a fighter aircraft. Gen. Radev was speaking to reporters after participating in a meeting which analyzed the performance of the Air Force in 2015.
 
He voiced fears that no contract will be signed for new aircraft this year and the available funding will not be used.

Asked whether he believes that Bulgaria has resources both to maintain its MiG-29 and have new aircraft, he said that there is sure to be such a period because acquiring a new aircraft is a long and complex process.

Gen. Radev said that it will take time to sign the second intergovernmental agreement with Poland for the MiGs' maintenance and start the public procurement procedures for the new aircraft, which is why the delivery and repairs will start in 2017 at the earliest.

"It means that in 2016 the Air Force will continue to use own resources to extend the expiring service life of the aviation equipment," he said adding that there is a risk involved in this - both technical and organizational. The engineering, technical and other staff of the Air Force are engaged in activities that are alien to them, the general also said adding that it is not the Air Force's business to extend the service life and do repairs.    

He said that it is normal for Bulgaria to allow air policing by its NATO partners and to make sure the conditions are available for this. "It is, however, the position of the Air Force that air policing patrols in Bulgaria must involve Bulgarian aircraft at any rate.

The Air Force has presented its views about the proposed changes of Article 130 of the Defence and Armed Forces Act concerning joint guarding of the air space. The views are very simple and clear: more capabilities with the allies and avoiding any preconditions for giving up of participation in the joint air policing, Gen. Radev said.

Regarding the amendments of the law, which are pending second reading in Parliament, he confirmed that they insist that joint guarding and the role of the Bulgarian Air Force be clearly defined. "We see our role as participation of armament, combat equipment, aircraft and crews of the Bulgarian Air Force and not just with radars, communications systems and airports," Radev observed.
   
Regarding the project about a new type of fighters, Radev said that now it has the support of the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister and is included for the first time in the three-year budget framework.