Serbian Armed Forces Helicopter Units on Exercise in Bulgaria
Tuesday, 9.6.2026 | International Co-operation
Members of the Serbian Armed Forces helicopter units are participating in the THRACIAN BLADE 2026 international exercise, to be held in the Republic of Bulgaria from 4 to 19 June.
The organizer of the exercise is the International Helicopter Training Center, the Republic of Serbia being a co-founder of it, along with 13 other EU members and partner countries. The aim of the exercise activities is to improve the skills of the participating countries’ air forces to plan and execute joint multinational helicopter operations.
Apart from Serbian Air Force members, who participate in the exercise with one H-145 and one Mi-35 helicopter, there are also Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland engaging their forces.
During the two-week activities in the area of Krumovo Airport near Plovdiv, they practiced route flying, helicopter transport, landing of personnel and assets, helicopter operations in an urban environment, CSAR, direct air support for ground units, convoy escort and protection, as well as maneuver and procedures during the action of enemy fighter aircraft and AD units. In the final part of the exercise, live firing at ground targets will be held.
By participating in the work of the International Helicopter Training Center and its exercises, the capability of the Serbian Armed Forces helicopter units to engage in operations in a modern operational environment is improved, confirming at the same time the commitment of our country to cooperation and preservation of peace and stability.
