site.btaPresident Radev: Rebuilding Interior Ministry Would Be Costlier than Strengthening Air Force's Firefighting Capabilities

President Rumen Radev argued that the Government must make a decision on whether to start from scratch in the Ministry of Interior to build firefighting capabilities, a process that would take at least six or seven years, be more expensive, and riskier, or to reinforce and develop existing capabilities within the Air Force, which would be faster, more effective, cheaper, and safer.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Radev emphasised that while equipment can be purchased, building a trained workforce and organisation takes time, a capability already present in the Air Force. He urged the government to opt for the latter option.

“Last year, I called on the National Assembly to reconsider its decision and direct the significant funds intended for acquiring and developing aerial firefighting capabilities towards the Bulgarian Army. This is the quickest, most effective, and safest solution for the coming years, not to mention beyond,” Radev noted.

He added with regret that nothing had been done since then, and the country was facing another summer of devastating wildfires.

Regarding the idea of acquiring Spartan aircraft for firefighting purposes, Radev recalled that a year ago, the Presidency had sent a detailed concept to the Government and National Assembly, which outlined a set of approaches, with one of them being this proposal.

However, the President explained that new equipment takes time to procure, and that specialised firefighting aircraft require even longer waiting periods. He acknowledged that purchasing new helicopters would be beneficial but pointed out that Bulgaria would not have the necessary capabilities for at least five to six years. Radev suggested instead restoring the flightworthiness of existing helicopters. “We have 12 Couger and 5 Mi-17 helicopters, but only two, at most four, are operational for firefighting. It is much cheaper and quicker to restore the operational capacity of the existing fleet,” Radev said.

In response to recent media reports about his stance on the purchase of aviation equipment for firefighting, Radev dismissed the claims as manipulation and misuse of his words. “I was never against the purchase of such equipment. I was in favour of acquiring it not for the Ministry of Interior, but for the Air Force, where the organisation and trained crews are already in place,” he clarified.

The President further stated that the fundamental role of the state is to guarantee the security of its citizens, neutralising all external and internal threats. “When the state fails to ensure the health and safety of its citizens, to protect the integrity of their homes, property, and livelihoods, trust in the government inevitably erodes, especially when people see that action is being faked or that the authorities are absent during the most severe crises,” Radev concluded.