Zapryanov: Re-equipping and modernizing the army – a key priority

Sofia – On the eve of a new academic year, Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov outlined bold plans for the future of the Bulgarian army, emphasizing the need for immediate rearmament and modernization. In a solemn atmosphere, against the backdrop of the official opening of the new academic year at the "G. S. Rakovski" Military Academy, the Minister presented key initiatives aimed at strengthening the country's defense capabilities. In the academy halls, filled with future officers and representatives of the highest military command, Zapryanov's words sounded like a clear call to action.

National Defense and Industrial Capacity Plan

One of the main priorities announced by the Minister is the development of a National Plan for Increasing Defense Investments. This plan aims to accelerate the process of building and developing Bulgaria's defense capabilities. In parallel with the planned gradual increase in defense spending, emphasis will also be placed on increasing the capacity of the national defense industry. Zapryanov stressed that attracting more investment, innovation, and the transfer of high technologies is foreseen.

Key Reforms and Analyses

In his lecture, the full text of which has been published on the Ministry of Defense's website, the Minister also announced other significant steps. A new Review of the Armed Forces' structure is to be conducted, with its conclusion expected in the first half of 2026. This review will serve as the basis for a subsequent analysis of the implementation of "Plan 2026" and the preparation of the next strategic document – "Plan 2027-2032". Based on these analyses, the need to update "Program 2032" will be assessed. Zapryanov also emphasized that it is urgent to develop a new National Security Strategy, calling on the government to make a decision on this interdepartmental process as soon as possible.

Modernization and Challenges

Minister Zapryanov defined 2025 as a "strong and constructive" year for Bulgarian defense. He pointed out that the country will receive new aircraft and ships, and "TEREM – Holding" will begin the assembly of the first "Stryker" combat armored vehicles. All these projects are part of the long-delayed rearmament, which, according to the Minister, is already underway.

Despite the optimistic vision for the future, Zapryanov did not hide the serious challenges the army faces. He pointed out that the personnel shortfall in the Bulgarian army during the first six months of this year remains at the 2024 level – 21.8%. This low staffing percentage continues to create difficulties for some formations, while the staffing of the voluntary reserve is only 16%. The lack of candidates for service in it is also alarming.

Mobilization Preparedness and Lessons from Ukraine

The Minister issued a serious warning that it is "high time to also pay attention to the issue of mobilization preparedness" since the current staffing of the reserve is "extremely insufficient".

Analyses by the Ministry of Defense show that the number of military-trained Bulgarian citizens is decreasing by an average of 6% per year. Zapryanov emphasized that the aging and decreasing reserve could make the country unable to provide the necessary human resources for defense in a time of war. In this context, he used the war in Ukraine as a disturbing example, showing that prolonged conventional conflicts require resilience and enough people and material resources for a long period of time. Zapryanov did not fail to note that many countries in the European Union and NATO are already considering or introducing mandatory military training in various forms. Before similar legislative initiatives are undertaken in Bulgaria, however, the Minister called for a broad public debate on the topic.

Education and Future Challenges

In conclusion, Zapryanov stressed the key role of the Military Academy as an incubator for future leaders. He called on the educational institution to focus on the lessons from modern warfare, especially from the battlefields in Ukraine, and to pay special attention to innovations and the development of artificial intelligence and its military application.

The introduction of a new model for calculating salaries and their 30% increase from the beginning of the year were cited as "steps in the right direction", which are expected to stop the outflow of military personnel and attract new candidates.

Among the officials present at the opening of the academic year were also the Head of the Military Academy, Major General Stayko Prokopiev, the Deputy Chief of Defense, Lieutenant General Mikhail Popov, and the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Defense, Hristo Gadjev.