site.btaAir Force Has Proposed Acquisition of New Spartan Aircraft with Firefighting Systems

“We have proposed the acquisition of two to three new Spartan aircraft, each costing around EUR 75 million and equipped with a firefighting system,” said Brigadier General Dimitar Georgiev, Deputy Commander of the Bulgarian Air Force, at a press conference held at the Rakovski National Defence College.

“Last year, we developed a concept for aerial firefighting. The new-generation Spartan aircraft allows the use of a firefighting module that can be installed on the plane. Within approximately 90 minutes, the aircraft can be loaded and unload up to eight tons of water. Refilling can be done at any airport and takes about eight minutes,” he explained.

The Armed Forces are currently participating in firefighting efforts with up to four helicopters. “We are doing everything possible to maintain the maximum number of operational aircraft and flight crews. As of today, we have three helicopters in operational readiness, and a fourth will be ready within two to three days for firefighting operations,” added Brigadier General Georgiev.

“Helicopters must undergo technical inspections as specified by the manufacturer's documentation,” explained Georgiev.

“The number of available helicopters varies depending on when such inspections are required,” he added.

“We expected to receive the two helicopters currently undergoing inspection in Poland by the end of June, but according to the manufacturer, they will arrive in October and December. There has been a significant delay due to the inability to deliver key components,” Georgiev said.

Aerial firefighting systems for the Spartan aircraft were acquired under an agreement signed in June 2022. However, the system is used with many limitations and at the limit of the aircraft’s operational capabilities. “We have taken steps to train the crews, but this requires time, the training is being conducted in Italy,” he noted.