Bulgaria's defence ministry has launched tenders for the acquisition of new utility helicopters and transport aircraft, with the former contest expected to be concluded by year-end.
Air force commander-in-chief Lt Gen Dimitar Georgiev lists the two new equipment programmes as Bulgaria's top priorities since gaining NATO membership earlier this year, along with the modernisation and life extension of the service's current Mil Mi-17 utility and Mi-24 assault helicopters.
Bulgarian media reports suggest the utility helicopter requirement is to be contested by European companies AgustaWestland and Eurocopter, with competition also coming from Sikorsky. The Mi-17/24 upgrade will be conducted by a team headed by either BAE Systems, Elbit Systems, Israel Aircraft Industries or Sagem.
The emerging transport aircraft requirement appears set to be a battle between EADS Casa's C-295 and the Lockheed Martin/Alenia C-27J Spartan. Air force sources suggest the latter is viewed as the preferred choice, due to its performance characteristics and its rough- field operating capabilities. The selected aircraft will replace the air force's Antonov An-26 transports, which have been deployed in support of Bulgarian peacekeeping troops in Iraq, but lack sufficient range, modern navigation equipment and a self-protection capability.
The transport aircraft purchase is to have an associated direct and indirect offset package of at least 80%of the contract value, with the defence ministry also seeking favourable payment conditions for the purchase.
Source: Flight International
