European Mi-24/35 Survey: Bulgaria's Marginal Capability

Once a 44-strong Mi-24 fleet, Bulgaria’s attack helicopter capability was cut in half in 1999. It originally included 38 Mi-24D Hind-Ds, delivered between 1979 and 1985, and six more Mi-24V Hind-Es taken in 1986, but the type has suffered from a significant lack of serviceability due to the limited supply of otherwise vital and expensive spare parts, such as main and tail rotor blades, as well as expired engine and airframe time between overhauls (TBO).

Bulgarian Mi-24V 143 white [Alexander Mladenov]
Only two of Bulgaria's six-strong Mil Mi-24V Hind-E fleet are in airworthy condition, although the other four will soon be returning to operations, with the fleet continuing until 2026. Alexander Mladenov

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