Defense
News about national defense, army activities, military policy, and the Ministry of Defense's announcements.
Gen. Nikolay Rusev: One F-16 squadron is woefully insufficient for Bulgaria
Air Force Commander Major General Nikolay Rusev warns that 16 F-16 aircraft are not enough for the country's defense, drawing parallels with neighboring states.
Navy Inspects and Transports Drone Remains Near Kara Dere and Ahtopol
Specialized teams from the naval bases in Varna and Burgas inspected and transported the remains of unmanned aerial vehicles, found near Kara Dere and in the Ahtopol area. The debris poses no danger.
Military Equipment and Personnel to Move on Roads for Exercises
Today and tomorrow, military units will be moving across road and rail infrastructure in Bulgaria for exercises. They will participate in the tactical exercise "Defensive Shield 26" and field training.
Varna Airport to Receive "C-17 Globemaster" Transport Aircraft for Routine Procedures
Varna Airport will host pre-scheduled landings of "C-17 Globemaster" transport aircraft from April 14 to 17 for maintenance and refueling. The flights are coordinated with the relevant authorities and do not affect civilian flights.
Rotation of US Military Personnel at Novo Selo Training Area: Atlantic Resolve
The rotation of US military personnel at the Novo Selo training area has begun as part of Atlantic Resolve. The transport of military convoys will be along the national road network. Atlantic Resolve aims to increase security in Eastern Europe.
Zapryanov: We don't see a military threat in the note from Iran
Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov commented on the note from Iran regarding the American aircraft at Sofia Airport. He stressed that Bulgaria maintains normal relations with Iran and there is no change in the deployment of the aircraft. Zapryanov added that our country is integrated into NATO's air defense system and our security is guaranteed.
Bulgarian Navy to take command of mine countermeasures group in the Black Sea
The Bulgarian Navy will take command of MCM Black Sea in July. The group is currently under Turkish command. The Bulgarian Navy is participating with a minesweeper and officers. Acquisition of new mine countermeasures vessels is planned.
Bulgarian Military Personnel from NATO Mission in Iraq Returned
Seven Bulgarian military personnel, participants in the non-combat NATO mission in Iraq, have returned to Bulgaria. The temporary adjustment of the mission's deployment was undertaken due to the escalation of the conflict in the Persian Gulf.
NATO Enhances Readiness in the Eastern Flank: Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey at Highest Alert
Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov presented an enhanced missile and air defense system in the Eastern Flank. Bulgarian airspace is protected by the "Peatriyat" battery, and planned exercises will be conducted soon. In connection with the SAFE program, Bulgaria expects new aircraft by 2030.
Bulgaria and Greece: Cooperation in Defense and Security – Key to Regional Stability
Caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov and Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias discussed cooperation in the fields of defence and security, as well as support for missile defence. They emphasized the key role of the two countries for stability in the region.
Greece Activates Patriot System to Protect Bulgaria
Greece has deployed a Patriot air defense system in Northern Greece to protect a large part of Bulgarian territory. Minister Zapryanov explained the measures and their significance, as well as the upcoming visit of the Greek Minister of Defense.
Caretaker Defence Minister Permits Passage of Foreign Troops Through Bulgaria
Atanas Zapryanov informed the National Assembly of orders permitting the passage and presence of foreign and allied armed forces. The orders have also been provided to the defence committee.
Minister Zapryanov: There is no direct military threat to Bulgaria after the strike against Iran
Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov stated that there is no direct military threat to Bulgaria after the strike against Iran. Discussions are underway regarding the evacuation of Bulgarian citizens.
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.