The air forces of NATO allies, which can take part in the anti-aircraft and anti-missile operation of the alliance for the protection of the countries on the eastern flank, must be deployed on the territory of Bulgaria.
This was stated in an interview with BGNES by General Anyu Angelov, Minister of Defense (2010-2013).
Gen. Angelov stressed that the MiG-29 aircraft and their armaments are outdated and cannot interact with the Air Force of the other countries of the North Atlantic Alliance.
“The armament of our MiG-29s is extremely old and has long expired. This period of use shall be extended only by the signatures on paper by the relevant field commander. At the same time, the anti-aircraft missile systems and radar stations located on our territory do not have “own-foreign” equipment.
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In this situation, they would threaten allied forces and assets that fly to Romania, Greece, Turkey or take off from American aircraft carriers in the Mediterranean, “warned the military expert and former defense minister. For this reason, it is necessary for Bulgaria to seek allied assistance.
“That is why it is necessary for the Air Force to be deployed on our territory to countries that have: 1. their own-foreign system; 2. have the respective armament; 3. have the relevant experience, “said Gen. Angelov added: “The latter is not insignificant, because with the raid of our pilots it is difficult to say that they have any combat experience and could be effective in this air operation.”
According to him, our country needs immediate preparation for participation in NATO’s anti-aircraft and anti-missile operation to protect the eastern flank. Such training is carried out by all countries – Romania, Poland, the Baltic States and even Slovakia, but not by Bulgaria.
“It is noteworthy that only Bulgaria wants allied aircraft only in terms of Air Policing, and not to prepare for such an operation in the event of rising tensions. Bulgaria cannot stay away. Some believe that Bulgaria is a door in the Balkans for Russia, but too wide a door, “said Gen. Angels.
He said that Kiril Petkov’s government was not taking steps in this direction because there was a party in the ruling coalition that was against sanctions and against any allied forces on our territory, which said that if Prof. Todor Tagarev became a minister of defense, will leave the coalition. Gen. Angelov described the party as “pro-Putin and defending foreign interests”.
“That is why this government is not in a position to make such a decision. If it is not able to take it, someone somewhere will have to make such a decision, regardless of which party and which coalition is in power, “said Gen. Angels.
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