site.btaDefence Minister: Safety Concerns Delay Use of Guardian Containerized Firefighting Systems with Spartan Aircraft
The Bulgarian Air Force has identified serious limitations and safety concerns in its preparation to use the Guardian containerized aerial firefighting system with its Spartan aircraft, according to Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov. His written response to MP Hristo Gadzhev (GERB-UDF) is published on Parliament’s website.
The Minister explains that the Spartan crew has undergone partial training as far as the use of the Guardian system is concerned. The training program, carried out in cooperation with LEONARDO S.p.A, did not include a key step: the airdrop of light and medium-weight containers. Moreover, Bulgarian pilots have not yet completed solo flight missions involving Guardian containers. As of August 1, 2025, certified crew members still do not meet the operational requirements for the mission, Zapryanov's reply to the MP's question reads.
Currently, no standardized techniques, tactics, or procedures (TTP) for using the Guardian system are in place and according to the minister, using the system without approved TTPs would significantly reduce its effectiveness and pose serious safety risks.
The Guardian system, worth EUR 6.7 million, was acquired as part of a deal for Spartan aircraft. In late July, Air Force Deputy Commander Dimitar Georgiev stated that the system is being used near the limits of the aircraft’s operational capabilities. He also proposed purchasing two to three new-generation Spartan aircraft, each costing around EUR 75 million and capable of carrying up to eight tons of water using a detachable firefighting module.
/NF/
news.modal.header
news.modal.text