Bulgaria's military

In a recent statement from the parliamentary podium, Kostadin Kostadinov, chairman of the right-wing, pro-Russian party "Revival" (Vazrazhdane) expressed serious concerns about Bulgaria's military and national sovereignty.

Bulgaria commemorated a significant milestone on Friday as it celebrated 20 years of NATO membership, a testament to its enduring commitment to international security and cooperation. On March 29, 2004, Bulgaria, alongside several other nations, officially joined the NATO alliance, solidifying its position as a key player in the global defense landscape.

Defense Minister Todor Tagarev revealed that Bulgaria is contemplating involvement in fresh overseas operations given the current global situation. While specifics weren't disclosed, recent discussions have revolved around contributing to an international initiative safeguarding shipping in the Red Sea, although deploying a ship isn't an immediate consideration.

The US Embassy is pleased to announce that the Congress of the United States has approved nearly million in additional Foreign Military Financing for Bulgaria.

The Ministry of Defence in Sofia, Bulgaria. Derzsi Elekes Andor, Wikipedia, Creative Commons 4.0

The Bulgarian government has proposed to ban the sale of arms manufacturer VMZ-Sopot and arms trader Kintex on account of their major importance for national security.

Draft legislation to put the two wholly-state owned companies on the list of enterprises banned for privatisation would be submitted to parliament for approval, the cabinet decided at a weekly meeting on Wednesday.

The Consultative Council for National Security has recommended to Bulgaria's government to introduce a program that will help the country's armed forces meet NATO requirements, President Rosen Plevneliev has said.

Bulgarian government has authorized the deployment of eight officers in a NATO operation for enhancing air defense of Turkey, the cabinet's press office announced, Wednesday.

The planned participation is on a rotation basis. It will be implemented in the period June 2014 - January 2015. Bulgarian troops will be part of NATO's 2nd communications battalion.

NATO is urging Bulgaria to modernize its army using Western units and equipment.

The recommendation forms part of its report on the condition of Bulgaria's military, according to Presa Daily, which cites a government source.

Apart from the air force, such a move should also involve the infantry, which relies on Russian arms bought some 30 years ago.

NATO representatives have suggested that Bulgaria start the modernization of its army using Western-originated units and equipment.

The alliance's recommendation was part of its report on the condition of Bulgaria's military, according to Presa Daily, which cites a source from the government.