site.btaAFCEA TechNET Sofia Conference Opens
The annual AFCEA TechNET Sofia conference opened on Tuesday with an address by Bulgarian President Rumen Radev. The event is organized by the AFCEA Sofia Chapter.
Radev stressed that the theme of the forum - intelligent arms and systems for collective defence and security - is of great current relevance as it reflects Bulgaria's need to develop capabilities that guarantee its security, both nationally and within allied formats. He said that guaranteeing national security amid dynamic geopolitical shifts and the rapid introduction of new technologies requires a profound re-evaluation of the policies of armed forces modernization.
"We are faced with serious challenges, arising not only from the breakdown of the current security architecture and the lack of sufficient conventional capabilities, but above all from the sweeping changes in the means of warfare in recent years," the President said. The rapid advance of innovation is reshaping the strategies, tactics, operational approaches and logistics of modern armed forces.
According to Radev, the development of drones, autonomous systems, surveillance assets, reconnaissance, communications, electronic warfare, cyber defence and space technologies already determines success on the battlefield. "Success lies with those who manage to integrate all capabilities into a unified information space and ensure reliable connectivity," he said.
Radev noted the need to build permanent monitoring and command centres that operate 24/7 and provide real-time situational awareness, which is vital for effectiveness in today's environment.
The President pointed to the development of drone systems in Bulgaria, saying that progress has been achieved in recent years, including through initiatives supported by the presidential institution. "But if we want real effectiveness, this is not enough," he added.
Radev stressed that modernization must not be confined solely to major projects such as the acquisition of combat vehicles, fighter jets and naval vessels. "Small projects often deliver much greater impact and remain undervalued," he said, stressing the importance of intelligent and asymmetric solutions.
Closer cooperation is needed between the Bulgarian Armed Forces, research institutes, universities and the national defence industry, the President said. The armed forces must boost their own R&D capacity so as to interact effectively with scientific units and industry.
Radev also noted that Bulgaria can make more effective use of allied-level instruments, including the European Defence Fund and the DIANA innovation accelerator, to help overcome fragmentation within the European defence industry.
"It is no longer a question of lacking resources - funding exists and will continue to exist. The question is whether we will invest it intelligently and achieve significant impact through modern capabilities," the President said.
/RY/
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