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‘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…
U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly ordered the shutdown of the U.S. military base in Alexandroupoli, Greece, according to Greek newspaper Dimokratia. The decision marked a shift in U.S. military strategy in the region and raised concerns among Greek officials. The base in Alexandroupoli has been a key logistical hub Read more…
A successful test flight of the first Bulgarian F-16 Block 70 fighter was carried out on October 22 at the Lockheed Martin manufacturing plant in Greenville, South Carolina, according to statements by Bulgaria’s Defence Ministry and the company. During the flight, a large number of system tests were performed to Read more…
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…
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…
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…
Bulgaria has experienced a staggering increase in arms imports, rising by 920% between 2019 and 2023 compared to the period of 2014 to 2018. This significant surge in arms procurement was revealed in a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), highlighting a notable shift in Bulgaria‘s defense strategy. The SIPRI report also shed light on Read more…
Bulgaria is currently exposed to the threat of ballistic missile attacks and is in critical need of upgrading its air defense capabilities, warns Deputy Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov in an interview with Nova TV. Seeking assistance from the United States, Zapryanov emphasized discussions on acquiring air defense and anti-ship defense systems. While the U.S. is a crucial partner in Bulgaria‘s military modernization Read more…
Bulgaria‘s Minister of Defense, Todor Tagarev, has announced a substantial infrastructure development plan valued at EUR 6 billion, aimed at serving both NATO requirements and civilian purposes. The multifaceted initiative encompasses the construction of roads, railways, oil pipelines, warehouses, and accommodation buildings, positioning Bulgaria as a strategic hub for NATO activities. One of the key components of this comprehensive Read more…