Bulgaria's Ministry of Interior says it needs specialized aircraft to fight fires as part of the 2027 budget process. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Galab Donev said a decision is coming on which projects will get funding.
The news came during a parliamentary session. Lyuben Ivanov, a lawmaker from Democratic Bulgaria, asked if the 2027 budget includes money to buy aircraft to fight forest fires.
Donev said President Rumen Radev has asked for years to build the country's own ability to fight fires and other disasters. „The government's commitment to this priority is long-term and is not just about a final budget sum, but aims to build a lasting capacity for development,“ the finance minister said.
The finance minister explained that officials are now collecting and discussing budget proposals for 2027. He gave early details on investment projects requested by the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Defence to help fight fires.
The Ministry of Interior asked for money for the Fire Safety and Civil Protection Directorate to buy transport and fire equipment in stages. This includes aircraft. They want 4 helicopters that can carry at least 3 tons of water. These would cost about 143.2m euros. They also need 1 helicopter that carries 1 ton of water for 23m euros and 2 planes for 59.3m euros.
The Ministry of Defence has also asked for major projects to help the state respond to disasters. The ministry is looking into buying small planes and equipment to fight fires from the air. It plans to spend 12m euros on this each year for the next three years.
The ministry also said it needs money to run Cougar helicopters and buy engines for them. It plans to spend 13.6m euros on this in 2027, and 3.6m euros each year in 2028, 2029, and beyond.
Another Ministry of Defence project aims to improve logistics for Spartan aircraft in the air force. The ministry plans to spend 14.2m euros on this each year for the next three years.
Donev said this information shows the projects requested so far in the budget process. The final decision on the cost and funding for these projects will be in the 2027 state budget draft.