site.btaExperts Discuss Security, Armed Forces Modernization, Military Education at Forum in Sofia

Security challenges, modernization projects of the Bulgarian Armed Forces, and the role of the military education system were the focus of the panel session at the annual AFCEA TechNet Sofia conference here on Tuesday. The participants in the panel discussion agreed on the need to synchronize efforts between institutions, industry, and scientific circles in order to accelerate the introduction of new technologies and enhance the country's defence capabilities in the context of contemporary security challenges.

The two-day forum was organized by the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) Sofia Chapter.

Colonel Nikolay Nikolov, Director of the Armament Policy Directorate at the Ministry of Defence, presented an updated overview of the main directions in the modernization of the Bulgarian Army. He emphasized that in a dynamic security environment, it is necessary to consistently and rapidly improve defence capabilities through new technologies, system integrity, and investment in infrastructure and training.

He noted that the national plan under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative has been finalized and is pending submission to the Council of Ministers for consideration. The plan, estimated at EUR 3.26 billion over a five-year period, includes a wide range of measures to enhance the readiness, interoperability, and resilience of national defence structures. Its implementation will require coordinated action between the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Economy and Industry, the Ministry of Innovation and Growth, the Ministry of Finance, as well as partner institutions and industrial organizations.

Colonel Nikolov also highlighted the progress made on key modernization projects, including the acquisition of F-16 fighter jets, the construction of modular patrol ships for the Navy, and projects for new combat vehicles for the Land Forces. He emphasized that the upgrade of communication and information systems, surveillance systems, and operations management is one of the key conditions for effective integration into NATO systems. He stressed that the renewal of communication and information systems, surveillance systems, and operations management is among the key conditions for effective integration into NATO and EU systems.

The panel also included Flotilla Admiral Kalin Kalinov, head of the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, who emphasized the role of military educational institutions in the development of specialized personnel for the needs of the Armed Forces and the defence sector. He outlined the development of engineering and technology specialties at the Naval Academy and noted the growing importance of areas such as cybersecurity, mechatronics, autonomous systems, and marine engineering.

According to Admiral Kalinov, the training of highly qualified personnel is a strategic factor for the successful implementation of modernization programmes, as the technological transformation of the Army requires officers and specialists capable of working with modern systems, managing complex processes, and participating in joint operations with allied forces.

He also presented the current research activities and projects that the Naval Academy is implementing in cooperation with Bulgarian and international partners, including the development of new laboratory complexes and participation in European defence innovation programmes. Kalinov underscored that interaction between education, scientific activity, and practical defence structures is crucial for the development of sustainable defence capabilities.