site.btaDefence Minister Describes 2025 as "Strong and Constructive" for Bulgarian Defence

Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov described the current year as strong and constructive for Bulgarian defence in his opening speech at the ceremonial start of the new academic year at the G.S. Rakovski Military Academy in Sofia on Tuesday.

According to Zapryanov, Bulgaria has entered a productive phase of accelerated rearmament and modernization. “We are receiving new aircraft and ships, and TEREM Holding will assemble the first Striker combat armored vehicles. We are making progress on several other key modernization projects to achieve the long-postponed rearmament. This will enable Bulgaria to maintain modern armed forces and continue establishing itself as a strong and respected member of NATO and the EU,” he stressed.

“When we talk about defence capabilities, it is you, the people, who come first. This is not just about the new system of remuneration for your work and the increase in income, to which I am firmly committed. I will also ensure that your salaries gradually increase during the coming years of our government mandate, while also focusing on your development as true leaders. This remains a central priority of the Government’s Defence sector programme,” Zapryanov said.

Regarding higher military education and the role of the Military Academy, Zapryanov highlighted its mission to provide trainees with a creative environment to develop as leaders. “In addition to studying the lessons of modern warfare, especially those from the battlefields in Ukraine, the Academy must focus on the growing importance of innovations, particularly the development and military application of artificial intelligence,” he added.

Zapryanov also addressed the changed security environment and the return of war to Europe following Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. He discussed the new National Defence Strategy adopted by the Government in March, hybrid warfare, NATO’s role as a defence guarantor, and the outcomes of the historic NATO Summit in The Hague in June.

He further highlighted the government’s defence management programme, measures to address personnel shortages, mobilization preparedness, and the need for broad public debate on this issue. New NATO plans, strengthening the defence industry’s capacity, and other current topics were also covered.

The ceremonial opening of the academic year at the Military Academy was attended by Deputy Chief of Defence Lieutenant General Mihail Popov, Chair of the Defence Committee in the National Assembly Hristo Gadzhev, and military leaders.