SOFIA – Bulgaria has begun discussions on acquiring new radar systems to address gaps in its military preparedness, Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov announced.
The minister emphasized that deficiencies in equipment and readiness pose significant concerns for national security and are already affecting the overall preparedness of the country’s armed forces.
Despite the urgency of the situation, both President Rumen Radev and Minister Zapryanov acknowledged that financial constraints remain a major hurdle to achieving Bulgaria’s defense objectives.
President Radev expressed concerns that the current budget would not fully cover the country’s military needs, stressing that Bulgaria must prioritize strengthening its defense capabilities while navigating fiscal limitations.
Zapryanov noted that the defense budget, currently at 2.09% of GDP, includes funds from equipment provided to Ukraine. However, he admitted that this allocation primarily covers salaries and existing contracts, leaving little room for expanding Bulgaria’s military capabilities.
He also pointed out that the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague will be crucial in determining whether defense spending targets for member states will rise to 2.5% or even 3% of GDP.
In response to Bulgaria’s military shortfalls, Chief of Defense Admiral Emil Eftimov outlined plans to prioritize recruitment for the Land Forces in 2025.
He described 2024 as a challenging but productive year for the Bulgarian army, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s defense forces.
Meanwhile, President Radev proposed incorporating military training into the school curriculum, drawing inspiration from Poland, where secondary school students undergo mandatory defense instruction.
Zapryanov acknowledged that this idea remains under discussion, stressing that collaboration with various government ministries is necessary before implementing such a program.
While military training in schools is not currently part of the government’s official agenda, discussions are ongoing to explore its feasibility.
Additionally, the Ministry of Defense has proposed introducing mandatory military training for certain state employees, particularly those working in professions involving weapons, such as personnel within the Ministry of Interior and judiciary security.
However, this initiative has faced resistance from members of the ruling coalition, as well as the Ministry of Interior itself. Critics argue that mandatory training could impact recruitment and workforce dynamics within key state institutions.
Zapryanov refrained from identifying specific political parties opposing the measure but acknowledged that internal government discussions are ongoing.
He stressed the need for greater coordination between relevant departments before presenting a comprehensive proposal to political leaders. The Ministry of Interior remains a significant obstacle to the plan, with officials raising concerns over its potential implications.
As Bulgaria continues its efforts to modernize its defense infrastructure and enhance military preparedness, the government faces the dual challenge of securing adequate funding and achieving political consensus.
With the NATO summit on the horizon and ongoing debates over defense policies, Bulgaria’s leadership will need to navigate complex financial and political landscapes to strengthen the nation’s security.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members