Bulgarian Navy
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The Bulgarian Navy has been largely overlooked in the reforms that the Bulgarian armed forces had to go through in order to comply with NATO standards, mostly because of the great expense involved and the fact that naval assaults are not considered to be a great concern for the country's security. That is why three of the four combat submarines (excluding Slava) are now docked and have been out of operation for some time. Only the more modern frigates, corvettes and missile crafts are on active duty.
In order to meet at least some of the NATO requirements, in 2005 the Bulgarian government bought from Belgium a Wielingen-class frigate, the BNS Wandelaar (F-912) (built in 1977), and after being renamed to the BG Druzki the frigate serves as the flagship of the Bulgarian Navy. In 2006, following a decision of the Bulgarian Parliament, Druzki took part in the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL), patrolling the territorial waters of Lebanon under German command. This was the first time ever the Bulgarian Navy took part in an international peacekeeping operation. The Bulgarian government plans to purchase a second Wielingen-class frigate and one Tripartite minehunter. According to PLAN 2015, Bulgaria should start producing its own classes of vessels, including small corvette-like helicopter carriers.
The Bulgarian Navy is centered in two main bases. One is near the city of Varna. The other is Atiya, near the city of Burgas.
The Navy's only aircraft comprise 12 Mil Mi-14PL helicopters for anti-submarine patrol, search and rescue, and other naval support tasks.[1]
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[edit] Naval specialized research and analysis division
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The NSRAD (Bulgarian: Военноморски специализиран отдел за проучвания и анализи) was a clandestine agency within the Navy, intended to conduct intelligence gathering and "unofficial" paramilitary operations. It was disbanded in January 2005. All information about its organization and personnel remains sketchy at best. (see: Gamma unit, Omicron unit, Theta unit, Zeta unit). Virtually all operations, conducted by the division operatives, were false flag operations. No records about these operations could be found.
[edit] Omicron Unit
Omicron unit was the code name of the 2nd tactical unit/Operative section of the NSRAD.It was under command of lieutenant (later captain-lieutenant) Alexander Ryenski (Bulgarian: Александър Риенски). The name of the unit commander is most likely an alias.
[edit] Equipment
- one Koni class frigate;
- one Tarantul class corvette;
- three Osa class missile boats;
- three Riga class frigates;
- two Pauk class corvettes;
- one Romeo class submarine;
- two Wielingen class frigates;
[edit] Additional equipment
- P-15 Termit missiles;
- Mi-14 Haze naval helicopters (12, to be phased out);
- Eurocopter Panther naval helicopters (6, on order)
[edit] References
- ^ Aviation Week & Space Technology, 20070115
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