Bulgaria has taken another step toward upgrading its armed forces, as the government has launched the execution of a key modernization initiative for the Bulgarian Army. The development was confirmed by the press center of the Ministry of Defense. The first phase of deliveries under the project is already underway. New Stryker combat Read more
Outgoing Bulgarian Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov confirmed that the Bulgarian Army is in the process of transitioning to NATO-standard weapons, a step aimed at modernizing its arsenal. His remarks were made in response to a question from “Revival” MP Dimcho Dimchev regarding plans to replace the army’s primary small arms, which still rely on Soviet-caliber Read more
Bulgaria has formally submitted a request to the European Commission for EUR 3.2 billion in funding under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) mechanism, the Defence Ministry confirmed to BTA on Monday. This request is accompanied by the National Investment Plan for the European Defence Industry, which was approved by the Read more
The construction of a NATO military base near the village of Kabile in Yambol Province has officially begun, following approval by the Bulgarian Council of Ministers. The project comes after the government signed a draft agreement with Italy for the joint construction and use of military facilities within the Kabile military district. The base is designed to host the multinational battle group Read more
VMZ-Sopot, Bulgaria’s state-owned arms manufacturer, is set to partner with Rheinmetall, the largest defense company in Europe, for the joint production of NATO-standard 155 mm artillery shells on Bulgarian territory. The details are outlined in a recent government assignment, as reported by Bulgarian National Radio. The plan involves forming a consortium in which Bulgaria will contribute Read more
A Bulgarian military contingent is departing to take part in NATO‘s Stabilization Force operation in Kosovo, it was announced during a formal ceremony held in Shumen on August 7. Deputy Chief of Defense Lieutenant General Mikhail Popov addressed the troops, reminding them of the dual responsibility they carry – representing Bulgaria to NATO allies and embodying NATO in Read more
The production of Bulgaria’s first “Stryker” armored combat vehicles for the Land Forces is underway and progressing according to the planned timeline, Brigadier General Stoyan Shopov, Chief of Staff of the Land Forces, confirmed in an interview with the “Bulgarian Army” newspaper. The vehicles are expected to be transported to the TEREM plant by Read more
Bulgaria has joined eight other European nations in formally applying for low-interest loans from the European Union to jointly purchase weapons. These arms will serve dual purposes: supporting Ukraine and upgrading the military capabilities of the participating countries themselves. The deadline for submitting applications to the EU’s new financing tool, SAFE (Security Action for Europe), ended yesterday. SAFE offers Read more
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
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