site.btaDefence Minister: Armed Forces Need to Be Rearmed Urgently

Defence Minister: Armed Forces Need to Be Rearmed Urgently


Sofia, November 3 (BTA) - Bulgaria has lacked a comprehensive
rearmament programme for 25 years, Defence Minister Velizar
Shalamanov told journalists on Monday. He was speaking after a
discussion on risks and strategic choices before Bulgaria,
organized by the European Council on Foreign Relations.

Contrary to expectations, no rearmament took place after the
2004 reform of the armed forces. Although 2 billion leva had
been spent, the army's combat efficiency did not improve, the
Minister said. There is an urgent need for a comprehensive
programme, with good management and funding and support by the
Bulgarian industry and science.

Approached whether this need had anything to do with Russia and
the Islamic State militant group, Shalamanov answered in the
negative. He outlined Russia's conduct among the new risks,
adding that Crimea's annexation and Russia's support for the
separatists in Ukraine pose a serious risk in proximity to
Bulgaria and mainly in the Black Sea. Shalamanov also put the
Islamic State among the new risks.

Asked whether there was an immediate threat to the country's
security given that Bulgarians are fighting for the militant
group, the Minister said that this question needs to be
considered in depth and refused to give more details.