site.btaPM Radev Says Armed Forces Budget to Be Increased in 2027 Despite Financial Difficulties

The armed forces budget will increase in 2027 despite the difficult budgetary situation and the need to reduce the deficit, Prime Minister Rumen Radev told journalists on Wednesday at the Slivnitsa Training Centre. He was attending a demonstration of capabilities and combat skills following the conclusion of the final stage of the Hawk Eye 26 drone competition.

The Prime Minister clarified that this is not only a necessity dictated by the security environment that the country finds itself in but also a coalition obligation.

In early September, Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov stated that defence expenditures amounting to 2.33% of GDP were planned for 2027. At the 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague, a commitment was made to gradually increase defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035; of this, at least 3.5% of GDP is to be allocated to core defence expenditures, and up to 1.5% of GDP to defence- and security-related investments.

Speaking to the media, Stoyanov said that he would not be satisfied with an increase matching this year's level of 2.15%. He noted that discussions with the Minister of Finance are forthcoming.

Regarding the drone demonstration, Radev indicated that he expects continued work on deploying a comprehensive system encompassing surveillance, reconnaissance, communication, command and control, target designation, and engagement using unmanned aerial vehicles. According to him, rapid development in this field will continue.

The Prime Minister further added that First Person View (FPV) drones dominate the battlefield in Ukraine and have proven to be an extremely effective and efficient means of deterring a superior adversary, isolating the combat zone, and providing logistical support.

When asked whether a separate branch of the armed forces dedicated to drone operations is necessary, Radev replied that the Land Forces are gradually moving toward this goal. He also highlighted the potential of the Bulgarian defence industry to provide such capabilities.

Stoyanov explained that the deployment of a dedicated company is expected. While initial steps have been taken within the Land Forces, the same is not yet true for the other branches of the armed forces. However, he affirmed that development in those areas will certainly follow. Stoyanov also said that a review of the Bulgarian is currently underway and added that he hopes the military leadership will incorporate such developments into every single unit.