Defense
News about national defense, army activities, military policy, and the Ministry of Defense's announcements.
Delays in F-16 Deliveries and Challenges for the Bulgarian Army
Deliveries of the second batch of F-16 fighter jets will be delayed. Defence Minister Atanas Zaparov discussed issues related to funding, modernization, and the need for new infrastructure for the armed forces during a conference of the Chief of Defence.
Annual Conference of the Chief of Defence Emil Eftimov: Analysis of the State of the Armed Forces in 2025
The annual conference of the Chief of Defence, Admiral Emil Eftimov, begins, where an analysis of the state and readiness of the Armed Forces in 2025 will be presented. President Iliana Yotova, Minister of Defence Atanas Zapryanov, representatives of NATO and the EU will participate.
Parliament Approves Purchase of NSM and MIDS JTRS Missile Systems
The National Assembly ratified two contracts for the acquisition of NSM coastal defense missile systems and MIDS JTRS. "Vazrazhdane" (Revival) expressed distrust, while "Velichie" (Greatness) opposed the ratification.
Dronamics Launches Defense Platform for Early Air Warning
Bulgarian company Dronamics, in partnership with Hensoldt, has developed a European Early Air Warning (AEW) system based on the Black Swan drone. The system combines the endurance, payload, and range of the drone with Hensoldt's sensor systems to detect threats.
The transition to weapons according to NATO standards in the Bulgarian army continues
Deliveries of new weapons according to NATO standards for the Bulgarian army are currently underway, said the resigning Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov in response to a parliamentary question from the MP from "Vazrazhdane" Dimcho Dimchev. The answer is published on the website of the National Assembly.
Zapryanov: Army Modernization Threatened by Lack of Funds for 2026
Outgoing Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov warned of delays to army modernization projects due to a lack of funds in the extended budget. This affects F-16s, „Stryker“ vehicles and other projects, as well as the situation regarding US claims on Greenland.
Defense Committee Approves Acquisition of Coastal Anti-Ship Missile Systems
The Defense Committee has backed a project to purchase coastal anti-ship missile systems from the US, valued at over $205 million. Delivery is expected in 2030. The project aims to strengthen defense capabilities and ensure operational compatibility with NATO.
419 Unexploded Ordnance Destroyed by the Armed Forces in 2025
In 2025, the Armed Forces destroyed a total of 419 unexploded ordnance. The Land Forces conducted 42 operations, and the Navy responded to signals 36 times.
Military Intelligence Service Celebrates Professional Holiday
The Military Intelligence Service marked its 118th anniversary. The increasing role of the Service in the context of contemporary security challenges was noted. Military and civilian personnel were awarded.
Radev to Award Honorary Sign to Three Military Personnel
President Rumen Radev will award the Honorary Sign to three military personnel for their contribution to the Armed Forces. The recipients are: Brigadier Admiral (ret.) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivan Yordanov, Rear Admiral (ret.) Dr. Nikolay Nikolov and Captain 1st Rank Lachezar Ivanov.
Defense Minister on 2026: Army Modernization Halted Due to Political Crisis and Lack of Budget
Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov stated that army modernization has been halted due to the political crisis and the lack of an approved budget. Despite progress in 2025, future modernization projects and the recruitment of military personnel are in question.
Epiphany Water Blessing Blesses the Battle Flags of the Bulgarian Army
The traditional Epiphany water blessing of the battle flags of the Bulgarian Army took place in front of the Unknown Soldier Monument in Sofia. President Rumen Radev reviewed the guard of honor.
Amendments to the Defense Act: Raising the Service Age, Protection from Drones, and More
Amendments to the Defense Act come into effect, including an increase in the maximum service age, the right to use weapons against drones, the definition of "deterrence," and other provisions. The President imposed a veto, which was overridden.
The Armed Forces in 2025: F-16s, New Ships, and Legislative Changes
An overview of key events for the Armed Forces in 2025 – the delivery of F-16s, new ships, legislative changes, and the challenges facing the army.
Bulgaria and Albania Discussed Their Contributions to NATO
The defense ministers of Bulgaria and Albania discussed their cooperation within NATO, emphasizing the development of deterrence and defense capabilities on the Alliance's Eastern Flank.