site.btaEquipment Becomes True Defensive Capability Only in Hands of Knowledgeable People - President Radev

Equipment becomes a true defensive capability only when it is in the hands of knowledgeable and capable people, President Rumen Radev said, addressing graduating cadets of the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy in Varna on Sunday. The cadets of the Class of 2025 received their first officer’s shoulder straps at a ceremony that concluded the celebrations marking the 146th anniversary of the Bulgarian Navy. Attending were Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov, Labour and Social Policy Minister Borislav Gutsanov, Chief of Defence Admiral Emil Efimov, Navy Commander Rear Admiral Kiril Mihaylov, senior officers, and representatives of local and state authorities.

The ceremony took place at the Sea Station in the Black Sea city, where President Radev was welcomed by a guard of honour earlier in the day. The flags of the Navy ships were ceremonially raised on the occasion of the anniversary.

"Receiving your shoulder straps is, above all, a responsibility, because you are dedicating yourselves to the most important mission – ensuring the security and sovereignty of the homeland," the President said, addressing the graduates. "The strategic importance of the Black Sea, where political and economic interests are increasingly intertwined, is growing, and with it the responsibility of our navy to defend our interests, traditions and confidence as a maritime nation," Radev said. He recalled that the Armed Forces are currently being modernized, noting that the first of two multipurpose modular patrol vessels will be available to the Navy in the coming months. The commander-in-chief said that the new officers will be expected not only to master sophisticated equipment but also to serve as leaders who, through their knowledge, skills and personal example, will build crews and uphold and continue the fleet’s traditions.

"Today, 146 years of glorious history meet the bearers of the future," Defence Minister Zapryanov said. He commended the cadets for their decision to devote their lives and careers to the Bulgarian Armed Forces "amid an acute personnel shortage." He also highlighted the evolving situation in the Black Sea, noting that its security is a priority for both NATO and the European Union. The Minister stressed the need for major investment in modernizing the Armed Forces, adding that a procedure for the procurement of new American coastal anti-ship missile systems had been approved last month.

Admiral Emil Efimov also congratulated the cadets, saying that they have the knowledge and skills that will help them on the path they have chosen – "that of duty and honor, of constant self-improvement." Eftimov urged the leadership and academic staff of the Naval Academy to keep the curriculum ahead of the pace of the Armed Forces’ technological modernization to ensure that graduates are well prepared.

The head of the Naval Academy, Fleet Admiral Prof. Kalin Kalinov, said that the new officers are fully equipped to face the challenges ahead, expressing confidence in their ability to apply their skills in today's complex security environment. He noted that "it is not always plain sailing, and the depths will not always be favourable," but the school has given them the necessary tools to meet the challenges.

Forty-four cadets received their first officer ranks on Sunday. Four servicepersons who had completed qualifications in military science also received their shoulder straps. President Radev presented the valedictorian of the Class of 2025, Lieutenant Nikolay Tenchev, who specializes in Naval Logistics, with his first shoulder straps.