Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Bulgaria does not plan to purchase submarines by 2032

Photo: Veneta Nikolova

''There’s no money for new submarines'', said Bulgaria’s Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov. That’s why the defense investment projects through 2032 do not include the purchase of submarines, whether second-hand or small ones, added Chief of Defense Admiral Emil Eftimov. He explained that the Bulgarian Navy is rethinking its concept, with a shift in focus toward drone capabilities.

The Commander of the Bulgarian Navy, Rear Admiral Kiril Mihaylov, noted that submarines have been removed from the list of priorities, but the country needs them to ensure a much-needed deterrence against any aggression.

Russia and Turkiye are the only Black Sea countries that operate submarines. For the past five years, Bulgaria’s last submarine, Slava (Glory), has been docked as a museum exhibit in Beloslav, on the shore of Lake Varna.

Edited by Ivo Ivanov

Published and translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Photo: Veneta Nikolova



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Ivelin Mihaylov

Bulgaria’s Anti-Corruption Commission probes 'Velichie' party in major property fraud case

Bulgaria’s Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating a large-scale property fraud and money laundering scheme connected to the 'Historical Park', which is associated with Ivelin Mihaylov, the leader of the Velichie party. Those arrested include the..

published on 11/26/25 2:30 PM
Boyko Borissov

Borissov cites EU defence adjustment to claim a 2026 deficit of 2.7%

The ruling party and the opposition argued about the procedure for the Budget Committee meeting before the final vote on the 2006 budget .  Assen Vassilev, chairman of the We Continue the Change party, attempted to block the committee’s extraordinary..

published on 11/26/25 2:15 PM

Agriculture and forestry workers protest for higher salaries

Employees in the agriculture and forestry sector staged a protest in front of the Parliament, demanding higher salaries for workers in departments that are secondary budget administrators. The protest was organized by the National Federation of..

published on 11/26/25 12:34 PM