Former Defense Minister Comments on ⁤Tragic Plane Crash in Bulgaria

The recent plane‍ crash in Count Ignatievo, resulting in the loss of two pilots,‌ has raised concerns about ⁣the organization of⁢ air shows in Bulgaria. Velizar Shalamanov, former Acting Minister of Defense, shared his thoughts on the matter, emphasizing the⁣ need for a thorough investigation and reevaluation of the country’s air show policies.

Shalamanov pointed out that the dire state of Bulgarian fighter jets raises questions about the allocation of limited ⁣resources. “We have to ask ourselves whether an air show is the best ​way to use our resources when we are waiting ⁣months for the F-16 to arrive,” he ‌said. “The old equipment is being used, and one of the ​most valuable resources in aviation is the fighter pilots. Everything⁤ should be done for the benefit of​ the fighter ⁢pilots who will fly to defend Bulgaria.”

The former Defense ⁤Minister also expressed concerns⁤ about the psychological impact of air shows on pilots. “When a normal educational activity is exposed and inserted into an airshow scenario, there is always an additional stress, a desire to show something more interesting,” he explained. “Taking unreasonable risks is not the best approach when training our pilots with this ​old technique.”

Shalamanov revealed that Bulgarian pilots do ⁢not have ⁢the​ necessary hours within NATO standards due to a lack of planes, helicopters, and funding for maintenance and fuel. “We maintain many more pilots for Bulgaria’s defense needs,” he added.

Regarding the organization of air shows,‍ Shalamanov stated that the decisions do not belong to the pilots but rather to ⁣those higher up​ in the chain of ​command. “The responsibility lies with those who proposed and organized this show,” he said.

The former Defense Minister also⁤ commented on the age of the crashed aircraft, saying that its ⁣40-year history speaks in its favor. “It means that it is known and⁣ tested, and if they consider that, there should be no risk,” he explained.

Shalamanov ‌concluded by emphasizing the need⁤ for accountability and ⁣responsibility in the wake of the tragic incident. “I hope that we will not only find the culprit but also take responsibility through the base commander, the chief defense, the air force‌ commander,” he said.