site.btaDefence Minister Satisfied with Troop Morale

Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov Friday said he was very pleased with the motivation of the Armed Forces personnel. He spoke aboard the frigate Verni on the Distinguished Visitors Day during Breeze 2025, the national naval exercise with international participation.

Zapryanov said that both on Thursday at Krumovo Air Base and on Friday, high motivation and strong professionalism are evident. "What we have done, and I am grateful to the government for it, is to increase the salaries of military personnel, which is a very strong motivator," he said. He explained that the Naval Academy's Rector, Flotilla Admiral Kalin Kalinov, reported to him that all cadet positions were being filled this year. The same applies to the Air Force Academy in Dolna Mitropolia.

Another key priority is the modernization of the Armed Forces. "The projects for which we have signed contracts are being successfully implemented. We are receiving the equipment envisaged in those agreements, and we are preparing to assemble the Stryker combat vehicles," said Zapryanov.

He added that if Bulgaria's requests under the EU's SAFE (Security Action for Europe) financial instrument are met and the country receives that financial support, it will be able to launch new modernization projects. "We cannot motivate people with outdated equipment," the Defence Minister said.