Bulgaria Marks Day of Valour, Armed Forces with Calls for Stronger Defence, Unity and Military Modernization

UPDATED Bulgaria Marks Day of Valour, Armed Forces with Calls for Stronger Defence, Unity and Military Modernization

Metodi Yordanov

BTA Photo/Blagoy Kirilov

Sofia,

06.05.2026 17:17 | UPDATED 06.05.2026 18:50

(BTA)

Bulgaria marked the Day of Valour and the Bulgarian Armed Forces on Tuesday with a series of ceremonies in Sofia, including the blessing of battle flags and sacred banners at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, attended by state leaders, military officials, clergy and foreign diplomats.

President Iliana Iotova, speaking at the main ceremony, called for accelerated modernization of the Bulgarian Armed Forces, stronger investment in personnel and improved living conditions for servicemen, saying the army remains “an army of duty, honour, glorious history and future” and a guarantor of national security and alliance commitments within NATO and the EU.

Chief of Defence Admiral Emil Eftimov said the Armed Forces offer opportunities for professional development, but warned that modernization is constrained by global supply chain disruptions and limited defence industry capacity. He pointed to ongoing progress in introducing new aircraft, armoured vehicles, naval platforms and drone capabilities, while urging increased defence investment beyond current levels.

Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Nikolay Rusev said Bulgaria’s airmen continue the legacy of past generations, stressing professionalism, discipline and teamwork as essential to ensuring the security of national airspace, and calling for unity and continued resilience within the service.

Navy Commander Rear Adm. Kiril Mihaylov highlighted the increasing complexity of mine countermeasures operations in the Black Sea, citing the use of autonomous systems and international cooperation, while noting ongoing threats from mines and drones and emphasizing continued modernization and personnel shortages within the fleet.

Caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov marked the Day of Valour and the Bulgarian Armed Forces with a Facebook message praising both the military and citizens for their role in defending the country and its values. He said some victories are won with weapons, while others come through honesty, moral strength and the refusal to yield under pressure. Gurov paid tribute to the servicemen and women who voluntarily serve as a shield for Bulgaria, as well as to citizens who speak out when necessary and stand firm when required. He added that the armed forces ensure national security, while society itself demonstrates what is worth defending, calling St George’s Day a moment to strive to be braver and more steadfast than the day before.

Caretaker Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov announced that Bulgaria will have 12 trained F-16 pilots by the end of the year as part of the introduction of the F-16 Block 70 fleet, confirming that all eight aircraft currently delivered are operational and accumulating flight hours. He said ongoing modernization, personnel development and procurement planning are laying the foundation for future capability growth in line with NATO commitments.

Acting Secretary General of the Interior Ministry Georgi Kandev said in a Facebook message marking the Day of Valour and St George’s Day that courage is not just a word but a conscious choice made in quiet or decisive moments.

He described bravery as staying on duty when circumstances are difficult, stepping forward despite fear, and defending one’s principles even when it is easier to give up.

Political leaders also marked the occasion.

Progressive Bulgaria leader Rumen Radev called for preserving Bulgaria’s military traditions and historical memory while recognising civic resistance to injustice and support for statehood.

Movement for Rights and Freedoms leader Delyan Peevski said Bulgarians honour those who defended the homeland and described the day as a symbol of renewal and unity across ethnic and religious lines.

Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev described courage as “quiet responsibility in difficult moments,” praising professionals in the armed forces and security services whose duty is reflected in everyday action rather than public display.

Bulgarian Orthodox Patriarch Daniil led the blessing of military banners, describing the Day of Valour as inseparable from church tradition and the historical continuity of blessing Bulgaria’s “victorious army,” tracing the ritual back to the First Bulgarian Empire and linking it to Saint George and national military heritage.

Earlier in the day, a helicopter flyover and artillery salute marked the ceremony in Sofia, followed by a military parade segment featuring aircraft over Alexander Nevsky Square. Wreaths and flowers were laid in memory of Bulgaria’s fallen soldiers, while commemorations were held across state institutions, military units and civic organizations.

The Day of Valour and the Bulgarian Armed Forces, observed on May 6, Saint George’s Day, is one of Bulgaria’s most significant national military holidays, honouring the courage and sacrifice of generations of soldiers who fought for the country’s independence and unity.

/MY/