Air Policing

"Bulgaria's air space has never been more secure," stated Defence Minister Nikolay Nenchev.

This is how Nenchev commented on the first joint mission with the USA for the defence of Bulgarian air space. Training lasted one week and the old Soviet fighter aircraft MiG 29 and American F-15 took part in it.

The changes to Defence and Armed Forces Act approved on Friday make Bulgaria "a more reliable NATO ally", Defence Minister Nikolay Nenchev has said, referring to the Parliament's approval of participation of allied aircraft in joint air policing missions.

The Bulgarian parliament approved at first reading on Thursday the amendments to the Defence and Armed Forces Act allowing for aircraft from NATO member countries to guard the country's airspace by participating in joint air policing missions.

The debates lasted for more than two hours, with ruling and opposition parties hurling mutual accusations at each other.

The Bulgarian parliament will decide on Thursday whether to allow the country's airspace to be guarded not only by the Bulgarian army, but also by the armed forces of NATO allies.

This could be achieved by amendments to the Defence and Armed Forces Act.

The Bulgarian Air Force could have its ageing Soviet-made combat aircraft replaced by new multi-role warplanes in the next three to three-and-a half years, Defence Minister Nikolay Nenchev said on Wednesday.

The government commission tasked with studying the available options is expected to submit a report by the end of March, Nenchev told bTV broadcaster.

The Bulgarian government approved at its regular meeting on Wednesday a bill amending and supplementing the Defence and Armed Forces Act, which would allow for joint air policing missions to safeguard the country's airspace.

The bill was tabled for review and approval by the parliament, the press service of the government informs.

The Bulgarian government approved at its regular meeting on Wednesday the intergovernmental agreement on the repair of the country's MiG-29 fighter jets by Poland.

Bulgarian Defence Minister Nikolay Nenchev and his Polish counterpart Tomasz Siemoniak signed the agreement on the repair of the fighter jets on October 22.

A NATO mission policing Baltic airspace amid heightened tensions with Russia has forged a rather exotic alliance to ensure the safety of pilots and their jets.