Acting Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov has highlighted the need to accelerate the modernisation of the armed forces as a top priority.


"The Ministry of Defence continues to focus its efforts on the implementation of projects for the rearmament of the Bulgarian Army," the minister said at the opening of the Hemus 2024 International Defence Industry Exhibition in Plovdiv. According to him, the acquisition of a new type of fighter aircraft and a multi-purpose modular patrol vessel is of paramount importance.

• Asymmetric military threats must be addressed through joint NATO-EU efforts

"The return of a high-intensity international conflict to the territory of Europe has tested our defence preparedness and shown us the importance of taking timely decisions," Atanas Zapryanov stressed. He added that this has also made it necessary to increase military spending and the global demand for new weapons and equipment, as well as to maintain Member States' stocks.