SOFIA, May 20, 2025 — The Bulgarian Ministry of Defense has announced the launch of troop and equipment transportation as part of the major multinational military exercises collectively known as “Bulgarian Defender – 25.” The movements will take place across the national road and railway infrastructure, beginning on May 20.
Military personnel and equipment will be transported from key garrison cities including Sofia, Karlovo, Kazanlak, Sliven, Chirpan, Belene, Asenovgrad, and Plovdiv. The destination for all participating units is the Koren training ground in southern Bulgaria, where the exercises will unfold over the coming weeks.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the most intensive troop and equipment movement is expected to occur on May 25, 26, 27, and 30, as well as on June 6, 2025. Citizens are advised to be aware of possible temporary disruptions to traffic and increased military presence along major transport routes during these dates.
“Bulgarian Defender – 25” is part of the broader multinational training initiative “Defender-25” (DE25), led by the United States Army Europe and Africa Command. DE25 is the largest U.S.-led exercise in Europe and Africa this year and involves coordinated military drills across several allied nations.
The exercises aim to enhance interoperability between NATO allies and regional partners, improve strategic readiness, and demonstrate collective defense capabilities. The Bulgarian segment, “Bulgarian Defender – 25,” integrates multiple individual drills under a unified scenario and operational concept tailored to regional defense conditions.
“Participation in ‘Defender-25’ reaffirms Bulgaria’s commitment to NATO and contributes to the strengthening of the Alliance’s eastern flank,” the Ministry of Defense said in a statement.
The statement also noted that Bulgarian forces would train alongside allied troops in a complex simulation of defensive and cooperative operations under both conventional and hybrid threat scenarios.
This year’s iteration of “Defender” comes amid heightened regional tensions and increased focus on rapid military mobility within Europe. Bulgaria’s role as both a host and participant underscores its strategic location and growing importance in NATO’s collective defense planning.
Authorities have coordinated with civilian agencies to ensure minimal disruption to local communities and traffic flow. Military police and traffic authorities will escort convoys and oversee logistical safety, especially during peak transportation days.
The Ministry has also urged the public to exercise caution around military convoys and to avoid unauthorized photography or videography of military movements, citing operational security concerns.
The “Bulgarian Defender – 25” exercises are expected to continue throughout June, culminating in a large-scale final training operation at the Koren training area.
The event will involve live-fire drills, tactical simulations, and command-level coordination exercises designed to test the preparedness and cohesion of participating forces.
This military initiative reinforces Bulgaria’s position within NATO as a capable and reliable defense partner, while providing valuable training experience for its armed forces in a complex multinational setting.