October 16th: Aviation and Air Force Day

The pioneers of Bulgarian aviation left a legacy of safeguarding the homeland's skies - both in peacetime and in wartime. This was stated by the Commander of the Air Force (AF), Major General Nikolay Rusev. The atmosphere in the Central Military Club in Sofia was filled with respect and patriotism, as Major General Rusev met with veterans, servicemen, cadets and students on the eve of the Air Force and Air Force Day, which will be celebrated on October 16.

The gaze of those present turned back to October 16, 1912, when Radul Milkov and Prodan Tarakchiev performed the first combat flight in Europe. Major General Rusev recalled that this flight is not just a historical fact, but a living symbol of the Bulgarian spirit, of courage and the unwavering pursuit of new horizons. From that moment begins the glorious path of Bulgarian aviation - a path strewn with trials, but also crowned with countless victories. This is a day that brings together the past, present and future into one - a day of honor, gratitude and pride, the Air Force commander emphasized.

Today, the Air Force is an integral part of the modern system of collective defense. "We continue to perform tasks to protect the airspace and participate in allied missions, but every mission, success and step forward steps on the foundation built by veterans years ago," noted Major General Rusev. For 113 years, the soldiers of the Air Force have met the love and respect of the Bulgarian people, and in return give their minds and hearts, their days and nights, the peace of their families and loved ones, and their work, so that Bulgaria is peaceful, he added.

"Aviation is fate, it is destiny. Once you touch it - there is no turning back. This is for life," also said Major General Nikolay Rusev, reflecting the passion and dedication that drive those who have chosen the sky as their home.

October 16 is the day on which the anniversary of the first of its kind in the history of Bulgarian aviation and in Europe flight of an aircraft is celebrated. The event took place in 1912, and the flight was carried out for reconnaissance purposes in real combat conditions during the Balkan War (1912-1913). In addition to reconnaissance of enemy forces, the first bombing from the air on the Old Continent in a real front-line situation was also carried out. The "Reference" department of BTA points out that pilot Lieutenant Radul Milkov and observer Lieutenant Prodan Tarakchiev flew with their "Albatross" over the Adrianople fortress, reconnoitered the location of the reserves and managed to throw two hand grenades over Karaagach station.