The Bulgarian Interior Ministry is to build an operational base for its aviation unit on a plot in the northern part of the Sofia airport. The construction of the airbase will be financed under an international project, the implementation of which will take two years to complete. The new facility will have helicopter hangars and offices.

Two months ago, the border police service received the  first of two new AgustaWestland AW109E Powers, reportedly valued at 5.5 million euro at the equipment level supplied.  The same unit has an AW139 on order, procured with Schengen Facility programme funds.  This is reportedly to provide a reliable air surveillance capability on the outer EU borders, since Bulgaria is expected to be a Schengen Zone Member starting from March 2011.  Two or three further helicopters are expected to be ordered before the end of the year.