A manufacturer of small tactical helicopter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Alpha Unmanned Systems has supplied its Alpha A900 helicopters for the Bulgarian Border Police.
As part of the agreement, the 200-ton ship “Balchik” of the Border Police Directorate has now been fully equipped with the next-gen Alpha A900 helicopter UAVs.
The Alpha A900 helicopters are set to increase the Bulgarian Border Police’s capabilities for border surveillance, tracking of suspicious objects, and maritime space surveys. This will support the prevention of potential illegal activities and assist with rescue operations.
The A900s are designed to operate in high sea states and are weatherproof in wind and rain. The helicopters can take off and land directly from a vessel, supporting maritime operations and surveillance.
When flying low, the A900s have been designed to be visible for warning purposes. When flying high, however, they remain hidden.
This upgrade is part of a larger European project under the Internal Security Fund, valued at over EUR 35 million. The vessel is already involved in collaborative operations with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex.