site.btaUPDATED Defence Minister Says Bulgaria Plans to Acquire Minehunters from Belgium, Netherlands

Speaking here on Saturday, Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov said that the governments of Belgium and the Netherlands are expected to decide soon whether to decommission minehunters that Bulgaria plans to acquire. Zapryanov made the statement during an event marking the 146th anniversary of the Bulgarian Navy.

The Chief of Defence, Admiral Emil Eftimov, also attended the celebration and extended his congratulations to the personnel of the combat fleet.

Zapryanov said that although the minehunters are second-hand, they will undergo modernization and enhance the capabilities of the Bulgarian military fleet. He added that even if the war in Ukraine ends, the threat of naval mines in the Black Sea will persist.

The Minister said that all projects aimed at modernizing the Bulgarian Armed Forces are progressing on schedule. He noted that the Navy’s first entirely new, modernly equipped and well-armed multi-purpose ship is expected to be ready next year.

By the end of August at the latest, it will be clear what funding Bulgaria will have access to under the European Union’s SAFE mechanism, Zapryanov added. He said that there is no risk to the national economy due to the EU’s rearmament plans, noting that these should foster growth and stability. The Minister recalled that Bulgaria has four ongoing modernization projects. If the mechanism is implemented, nine additional projects will commence. “Never in the history of the Bulgarian Armed Forces have there been 13 modernization projects of such significant value,” he said.

Admiral Emil Eftimov expressed gratitude to the Navy personnel for their dedication to ensuring Bulgaria’s maritime security. He noted that the fleet operates both independently and as part of collective security efforts alongside NATO allies in the Black Sea.

Eftimov said that options are being explored for enhancing Bulgaria’s submarine capabilities. He stressed the importance of submarines in the Black Sea region, noting that vessels should be smaller, more modern, highly capable, and staffed by a reduced crew.

A congratulatory message on behalf of President Rumen Radev was delivered by his military security advisor, Vice Admiral Mitko Petev. In his address to the Navy personnel, the commander-in-chief praised the Navy for “fulfilling its mission with honor as a faithful guardian of Bulgaria’s sea.” He expressed confidence that the Navy will continue to meet "contemporary challenges and defend this country’s shore with dedication and professionalism."