site.btaLand Forces Expect to Receive Higher Class of Military Drones by Year's End

The Land Forces expect to receive a slightly higher class of military drones for the higher tactical levels by the end of this year, Land Forces Commander Major General Deyan Deshkov told reporters on Tuesday. They have already acquired commercial drones and use them to train personnel from the lower tactical units, he added.

"Our vision is to continue increasing the number of drones so that we can train more personnel and use them for surveillance, reconnaissance, targeting. The next step is to use the so-called kamikaze drones," the general said. 

He believes that Bulgaria has great potential to produce drones. 

Regarding the personnel, he said that everything is being done to promote the profession of servicemen. The main focus is on training and career development but the things that would attract people to the Armed Forces - the social package, remuneration and the working conditions, are beyond the powers of the Armed Forces, he said.

Asked how many T-72 tanks have been upgraded, Deshkov said it is 80% of the entire fleet. "We hope that by the end of the year the first phase of the project will be 100% complete."

Regarding the project for Stryker combat vehicles, he said that a decision of the National Assembly is pending. If a contract is concluded, a period of two years will follow for the utilization of the equipment. This is a technique that would only start the real modernization of the Land Forces.