Bulgaria is prioritising the acquisition of modern air and missile defence (AMD) systems compatible with NATO standards, Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov said on Wednesday.
Speaking at a discussion on military activity in Europe and the Middle East, organised by the Atlantic Association of Reserve Officers at the Rakovski National Defence College in Sofia, Zapryanov said the government remained committed to strengthening its defence capabilities.
He recalled that in 2024 Bulgaria signed a contract to acquire the German IRIS-T SLM short- to medium-range surface-to-air missile system as part of the European Sky Shield Initiative. The deal marks “only the beginning” of building a modern AMD system to protect the country’s territory, population and armed forces, as well as NATO allies, within the alliance’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence System, Zapryanov said.
“The war in Ukraine has shown how essential it is to have a reliable and effective missile and air defence system,” he said. “If we do not possess adequate NATO-compatible capabilities, we remain vulnerable. That is why we must invest decisively today to avoid gaps in our defence capacity tomorrow.”
Zapryanov also said Bulgaria plans to acquire 3D radars, air defence and anti-drone systems, and is preparing to bring into service its first F-16 Block 70 fighter jets. The first batch is expected by the end of 2025, with the rest due by the end of 2027.
“To effectively implement the modernisation of the Armed Forces, we are determined to increase defence spending to at least 2.5–3% of GDP as soon as possible and to sustain it over the long term,” he added.
