A large-scale meeting between key state institutions revealed the urgent need for technological transformation of the national radar infrastructure. Experts from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, together with representatives of various departments, discussed the critical condition of meteorological facilities.
Currently, the system has seven Doppler radar stations that operate in an extremely limited mode. Deputy Minister Kapitanov emphasized that the equipment is turned on only during the active anti-hail season - from April to October, with the aim of maximizing its operational life.
The existing technical configuration creates serious challenges in obtaining precise meteorological information. Institutions have an acute need for round-the-clock monitoring of atmospheric processes, which is currently impossible due to morally outdated facilities.
Experts strongly recommend a gradual replacement of radar stations with modern, high-tech systems capable of providing year-round observation. The financing of this large-scale project is planned to be implemented through the Strategic Plan for Agricultural and Rural Development for the period 2023-2027.
The participants in the working meeting unanimously supported the modernization initiative, emphasizing the strategic importance of the project. They highlighted the importance of Bulgaria maintaining a modern radar system that provides quality meteorological data to European partners.
Technical renewal is necessary due to the extremely outdated infrastructure - the radars have been functional for more than 40 years, which causes frequent technical problems, especially regarding the antenna mechanisms.
Limited budget funds necessitate the search for alternative financial instruments, including European funds and national programs. The ultimate goal is to build a modern, reliable, and effective meteorological system for prevention and monitoring of dangerous atmospheric phenomena.