Grozdan Karadjov: We will propose measures to counter drones to ensure flight safety

Legislative changes must be adopted urgently to ensure that drones will not endanger flight safety. One of them is to provide for the possibility of neutralizing drones that enter the scope of national security objects without permission.

This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications Grozdan Karadjov after a meeting with representatives of the Ministry of Interior, State Aviation Administration, State Agency for National Security, General Directorate of Civil Aviation, Central Regulatory Commission and the operator of Sofia Airport "SOF Connect". It was dedicated to the problems that were highlighted during the unregulated entry of a drone into Sofia Airport on Friday.

The measures that Deputy Prime Minister Karadjov presented include the implementation of two systems. One will be built by airport operators and will neutralize such devices when they enter the airport area. The second system will aim to cover a larger perimeter around airports and will be a commitment of the state.

The General Directorate of Civil Aviation Administration is in the process of installation and by the end of the month it will have an antenna that will be able to detect over 80% of the drones operating in the country. It will cover the territory of Sofia.

"It is very important to have better coordination between the various institutions in order to locate all drones earlier and to quickly counteract violations. Currently, we do not have a single body that can perform such functions. This also requires legislative changes, which we are starting to work on," noted Grozdan Karadjov

 "Currently, jamming the radio airwaves is completely prohibited. It does not matter if this drone is over a sensitive object, we do not have the right to shoot it down or jam it," said Karadjov. Legislative changes will also be needed here.

The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that he expects a proposal with possible technological solutions by Friday, and that there will be a meeting with all airport operators in the country tomorrow.