site.btaBulgaria Prepares New Aerial Surveillance Strategy for Border Security

The Bulgarian Ministry of Interior is developing a new concept for the enhancement and organization of aerial surveillance along the country’s borders, according to Interior Minister Daniel Mitov. His remarks came on Thursday in response to a parliamentary question from MP Ivaylo Mirchev regarding the Ministry’s use of drones, as published on the official website of the National Assembly.

Minister Mitov confirmed that the new concept includes plans to acquire additional drones for the Border Police. He also noted that more drones will be purchased to modernize and increase the operational capacity of the Ministry's specialized counter-terrorism unit.

Currently, several Interior Ministry departments utilize drones, including the general directorates of Border Police, National Police, Gendarmerie, Special Operations and Counter-Terrorism, Fire Safety and Civil Protection, and the units combating organized crime. Regional and metropolitan directorates are also equipped with aerial technology.

The drones are employed in a wide range of operations, including search and rescue missions, locating missing persons, specialized police actions, identifying active fire zones, and monitoring road traffic, Mitov added.

A month ago, Minister Mitov announced the planned procurement of a radar system to neutralize unauthorized drones for the Border Police’s use.

Earlier in April, following the detection of a drone near Sofia’s Vasil Levski Airport, the government approved amendments to the Civil Aviation Act. The updated legislation strengthens oversight of drone usage, banning flights without authorization in restricted zones—including secured areas around civil airports. The amendments also outline procedures for the forced landing or removal of drones that violate these regulations.