Bulgaria Moves to Criminalize Unauthorized Drone Use Following Sofia Airport Security Breach
Sofia, The Gulf Observer: Bulgaria is poised to introduce criminal liability for unauthorized drone operations under newly proposed amendments to the Civil Aviation Act, according to national daily Sega. The amendments, recently approved by the Council of Ministers, are now awaiting parliamentary endorsement and are aimed at tightening regulatory oversight of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), particularly in sensitive and restricted areas.
The legislative reform comes in direct response to growing security concerns, most notably following a high-profile drone incident at Sofia Airport in February 2023, which caused significant disruption and exposed gaps in aerial security protocols.
Criminal Penalties and Regulatory Reform
Under the proposed changes to the Criminal Code, individuals found operating drones without proper authorization—especially in prohibited airspace near airports and other secure sites—could face criminal prosecution. While the exact scope of the penalties is yet to be finalized, authorities indicate that the focus will be on large, potentially hazardous drones that pose security risks.
These measures aim to codify protocols for UAV enforcement, including the forced landing or neutralization of non-compliant drones operating in violation of national airspace regulations.
The Sofia Airport Incident: A Wake-Up Call
The urgency behind the new legislation stems from an alarming event on February 7, 2023, when a military-grade drone breached restricted airspace over Sofia Airport. The UAV, weighing approximately 30 kilograms with a wingspan of 1.5 meters, evaded authorities for a prolonged period, despite being detected by air traffic monitoring systems.
The incident resulted in delayed and rerouted flights and sparked widespread speculation regarding the drone’s origin and purpose. Though unconfirmed, theories included potential espionage, provocation, or testing of Bulgaria’s aerial defense systems. Authorities have not located the drone or identified its operator, though investigations remain ongoing.
Experts believe the drone’s onboard software may have been manipulated to override standard no-fly zone restrictions near airports.
Government and Security Agency Response
In the aftermath, Transport Minister Grozdan Karadjov held emergency talks with stakeholders from the Ministry of Interior, National Security Agency, and civil aviation sector to evaluate response protocols. As a result, the government resolved to deploy anti-drone technology at all major international airports.
Additionally, calls for similar measures at critical national sites—such as the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant and strategic border points—have intensified. The Bulgarian Border Police and national security authorities have warned that drones are increasingly being used for illicit activities, including smuggling across the Bulgarian-Turkish border.
Border Security and Anti-Drone Expansion
A strategic plan for deploying anti-drone systems along Bulgaria’s borders is already underway, with procurement procedures in progress. These technologies are seen as a vital defense against the misuse of UAVs in cross-border trafficking and surveillance operations.
The initiative is part of a broader national security strategy to adapt to emerging technological threats, ensuring Bulgaria’s infrastructure and airspace remain protected in an era of rapidly evolving drone capabilities.
