Russia Accuses Bulgaria of Arms Smuggling from Ukraine – Novinite.com – Sofia News Agency

At a recent briefing, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Bulgaria, alongside Poland, Finland, and Romania, of taking part in the smuggling of Western weapons from Ukraine. She claimed this illicit trade is tightly controlled by organized crime groups, supported by corrupt officials. Zakharova detailed that weapons are trafficked out of Ukraine through multiple routes, involving Read more…

NATO Praises Bulgaria’s Commitment, Backs Upgrade of Battle Group to Brigade Level – Novinite.com – Sofia News Agency

Bulgaria remains firmly committed to NATO’s efforts to boost its collective defense capabilities, particularly in the Black Sea region. At a joint press conference held at the Novo Selo training area, Chief of Defense Admiral Emil Eftimov confirmed Bulgaria’s full support for the Alliance’s new goal of raising defense investment to 5% of GDP by 2035. According to Eftimov, Read more…

Bulgaria Links Defense Modernization with Economic Stimulus – Novinite.com – Sofia News Agency

Bulgaria is moving forward with plans to modernize its armed forces, with significant investments expected to benefit not only national defense but also the broader economy. According to Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov, the Ministries of Defense and Finance are in the final stages of analyzing the potential use of the European SAFE instrument as a financial mechanism for these Read more…

Bulgaria’s Ministry of Defense Seeks Sappers and Operators

The Bulgarian Ministry of Defense has announced 32 open positions in a military formation located in Bankya, as part of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). The vacancies include roles such as sapper, medic, junior special operations operator, radio operator, unexploded ordnance disposal operator, and driver. Applicants must submit a written application to the commander of military formation Read more…

Bulgaria Plans Mandatory Military Training, Stays Out of Croatia-Albania Alliance – Novinite.com – Sofia News Agency

Bulgaria‘s Ministry of Defense is preparing legislative changes to introduce mandatory military training for specific professional groups. Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov explained in an interview with Bulgarian National Radio that the amendments to the Armed Forces Act and the Act on the Reserve aim to address the personnel shortage in the national army. However, he clarified Read more…

Bulgarian Defense Minister: No Political Decision Yet on Conscription Return – Novinite.com – Sofia News Agency

Amid growing concerns over security in the wake of the conflict in Ukraine, Bulgaria‘s Acting Minister of Defense, Atanas Zapryanov, has addressed the issue of conscription, stating that while it is being discussed, no political decision has been reached as of yet. Zapryanov’s remarks came during discussions in Parliament regarding military formations and structures to Read more…

Not If, but When: US Expects Iran to Attack Israel Soon – Novinite.com – Sofia News Agency

The United States and its allies are concerned about a potential attack by Iran or its proxies on military and government targets in Israel. The attack, believed to be imminent, would be in response to the killing of Iranian generals in Damascus, escalating the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. There is uncertainty regarding the origin of Read more…

Bulgarian Armed Forces Set for Thorough Modernization, Says Deputy Defence Minister – Novinite.com – Sofia News Agency

Deputy Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov revealed the plans for the thorough modernisation of the Bulgarian Armed Forces, estimating a budget exceeding BGN 37 billion. Speaking at a conference commemorating the 20th anniversary of Bulgaria‘s NATO membership, held at Sofia’s Central Military Club, Zapryanov emphasized the critical need for investment in defence capabilities. The three-day forum, commencing Read more…