site.btaDefence Minister Optimistic about Successfully Completing Recruitment of 1,000 Soldiers This Year

"We are optimistic about successfully completing the recruitment competitions for 1,000 military personnel this year," said Minister of Defence Atanas Zapryanov during a press conference at the G.S. Rakovski Military Academy on Thursday. 

"All competitions conducted so far have been successful, and all announced positions in the priority formations of the Land Forces have been filled. The modernization of the Armed Forces must go hand in hand with our efforts to complete the army with personnel," the Minister added.

By July 29, a minimum and maximum value for the desired financial resources under the SAFE mechanism was supposed to be declared.

"We submitted it on time," the Minister said. "The minimum amount we requested is EUR 3.261 billion, and the maximum is EUR 3.583 billion." This range includes nine modernization projects. Among the projects are those for 3D radars, the new artillery system, the IRIS-T air defence system, anti-drone systems, missiles for ships, and ammunition. "I hope that with this step, the government is making a political move to increase and accelerate the modernization process of the Armed Forces by the end of 2030," commented Zapryanov.