site.bta Cabinet Adopts National Defence Strategy

Cabinet Adopts National Defence Strategy

Sofia, April 13 (BTA) - The Cabinet adopted the National Defence Strategy, which is a result of the 2015 interim review of the 2011 strategic document, the government information service said.

The main changes reflect the new strategic security environment and the resulting consequences. Analysis of the security environment took into account the new risks and threats, including hybrid ones. The armed forces' tasks have been brought into line with Bulgaria's NATO commitments since a successful fight against hybrid threats will depend on the synergy between the national defence plans and the Alliance's plans. The human, information, materiel and financial resources for defence are analysed. The document also takes into account the constrained budget and strikes a balance between the allocated funds and the defence capabilities the country needs.

The document defines defence as a wide-ranging state activity with single leadership, planning, financial and materiel support. A comprehensive approach to crisis and conflict management is critical to the successful fight against hybrid warfare. It is of key importance to coordinate the actions of the armed forces and of all governmental and non-governmental organizations and units within a single strategy and plan.

Bulgaria's defence will be ensured within the framework of NATO's Collective Defence and the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy in the context of effectively using the national defence capabilities.

Again, there will be three types of mission: defence, support for international peace and security, and contribution to national security in peacetime, along with the ensuing tasks. The structure and numerical strength of the armed forces are closely linked to the necessary operational capabilities determined in the defence planning process.

Bulgaria builds and develops its armed forces as a single set of forces and balanced capabilities, with a single system of command and leadership in peacetime and at times of crisis. The peacetime personnel is recruited on a professional basis. A standing reserve is built and maintained for the purpose of additional personnel and materiel procurement. In functional terms, the armed forces are made up of deployment forces and defence forces. In terms of tasks and purpose, there are forces in a high state of readiness and in a low state of readiness.

A comprehensive review is planned for 2020 when a new edition of the National Defence Strategy will be published.