air force

Ukrainain special forces claimed Friday to control "half of Slaviansk", hours after Kiev renewed its operation against pro-Russian separatists.

Officials from the Security Service of Ukraine regained significant parts of the city in what authorities describe as an "anti-terrorist" operation.

NATO is urging Bulgaria to modernize its army using Western units and equipment.

The recommendation forms part of its report on the condition of Bulgaria's military, according to Presa Daily, which cites a government source.

Apart from the air force, such a move should also involve the infantry, which relies on Russian arms bought some 30 years ago.

NATO representatives have suggested that Bulgaria start the modernization of its army using Western-originated units and equipment.

The alliance's recommendation was part of its report on the condition of Bulgaria's military, according to Presa Daily, which cites a source from the government.

Bulgaria urgently needs to modernize its air force, in the light of the situation in Ukraine, said Foreign Minister Kristian Vigenin. 

According to him, the country needs to reorganize its military air force and buy new type of fighter jets, in order to terminate its dependence on Russia for their technical maintenance.