Brig. Gen. Yuliyan Radoyski has called on Bulgaria's military to work together to build the standing of the country's air force. His message for Bulgarian Combat Aviation Day, marked today, was posted on the official Facebook page of the Georgi Benkovski Air Force Academy, which the general heads.

Radoyski said that on this day the country takes pride in its military pilots, recognises their service and honours their heroism and high professionalism.

"This holiday unites us around the proud traditions and rich history of Bulgarian aviation, and around our duty to protect them, build on them and pass them on to future generations," the message says.

The general said love of the sky, a sense of duty, the honour of military service and pride in serving Bulgaria must be passed on to the next generations. He said the day means a great deal to the academy, because it is where future aviation specialists and defenders of the homeland gain their knowledge and skills and form their will and character.

A week ago, 61 first-year cadets from the academy's 80th class took the military oath. At the same ceremony, BTA reported, two Cessna 172S Skyhawk aircraft were shown as the new additions to the flight training base.