The Bulgarian Air Force, already well known to be short of cash, is to sell 12 helicopters – six Mi-17s and six Mi-24 gunships.  The funds raised will then be used to refurbish and upgrade a further six of each type.

In the last couple of years, Bulgaria has taken delivery of twelve AS532 Cougar and three AS565 Panther helicopters from Eurocopter which were ordered back in 2005.  A further three Panthers are not expected to be delivered, and negotiations are ongoing with Eurocopter to cancel them (HeliHub.com story)

The eastern European country is also continuing its integration into NATO, which it joined in 2004.  Recently the Defence Minister announced that the modernization of the Graf Ignatievo air base will be completed with thanks to a $10M fund provided by the NATO Security Investment Program.