site.btaUPDATED PM Attends Graduation Ceremony at Air Force University

Prime Minister Rumen Radev attended a ceremony in Pleven on Friday at which graduates of the Georgi Benkovski Higher Air Force School received their first officer ranks and diplomas. Radev reviewed the formation of cadets and sergeants from the military school.

The Prime Minister himself graduated the Georgi Benkovski Higher Air Force School in 1987.

Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov also attended the Friday ceremony.

The Prime Minister said to the graduating cadets: "Remember that military aviation embodies the virtues and pride of the nation. Remember that being an officer in the Bulgarian Air Force is not simply a profession, but a calling, an honour and a duty to the motherland."

He wished them courage, honour and steadfastness as they embark on the difficult path of military aviation.

"I am proud to also be a graduate of this distinguished school, where the energy and daring of youth meet the wisdom and experience that come with knowledge. Where strong and driven young people unwaveringly pursue their dream of flight, where character and a sense of duty to the motherland are forged," the Prime Minister said.

He noted that being awarded an officer's rank is not simply a ceremonial act that opens the door to a career, but above all a responsibility. "Today, you dedicate yourselves to the sacred mission of safeguarding the air sovereignty of the homeland," Radev told the graduates. According to him, there is no room for illusions in this mission, which is marked by risk, challenges and sleepless nights.

"The ever-growing challenges in the security environment and the rapid development of innovation will require you not only to master new equipment, but also to constantly adapt to new technologies, unmanned aerial systems, artificial intelligence, space and cyber operations, which are rapidly changing the nature of modern air operations and sweeping away outdated dogmas, tactics and doctrines. But I am confident that you will succeed," the Prime Minister said.

It was the graduation of the 75th class. A total of 116 cadets and trainees are graduating this year from the Higher Air Force School and its Professional Sergeant College.

The Professional Sergeant College is graduating 64 cadets from Bulgarian Air Force units who completed part-time training to obtain the professional qualification of sergeant, according to the Defence Ministry.

Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov told graduates of the Georgi Benkovski Higher Air Force School in Pleven that freedom and sovereignty cannot be taken for granted and must be defended through preparation, character and real capabilities. He stressed the importance of military education as Bulgaria modernizes its armed forces, including the introduction of new F-16 aircraft, and urged the graduates to keep learning and to rely on professionalism, character and responsibility as future commanders.

School head Brigadier General Yuliyan Radoyski addressed the graduates, while Radev presented an award to the class's top graduate, Siyana Yankova.

Last year, 38 cadets from the 74th class received their first officer ranks after training in seven military specializations at the school.

Following the ceremony, Radev was scheduled to attend the unveiling of bas-reliefs dedicated to aviation pioneers Tsvetan Lazarov and Assen Yordanov at the school's Off-site Aviation Education Complex in Pleven.