site.btaMilitary Intelligence Continued to Provide Reliable, Timely Information to State, Military Leadership over Past Year - Defence Minister

Over the past year, military intelligence continued to provide reliable and timely information to state and military leadership, aiding decisions aimed at ensuring national security and defence, Bulgaria’s caretaker Defence minister, Atanas Zapryanov, said as quoted by his Ministry’s press service. Zapryanov attended the celebrations marking the 117th anniversary of Bulgarian military intelligence and its professional holiday.

The celebrations began with a prayer service in the presence of the Defence Minister, the Chief of Defence, Admiral Emil Eftimov, the leadership of the Military Intelligence Service, and representatives of the Presidential Administration. Wreaths and flowers were laid at the memorials of Bulgarian military intelligence officers who died in the line of duty.

The Minister praised the overall work of the Service, noting that the Service continues to maintain "strong trust and recognition among our international partners". "The high assessments of partner services regarding bilateral exchanges on current security issues remain unchanged," Zapryanov added. He highlighted the key role of military intelligence in evacuating Bulgarian citizens from crisis regions, as well as in the fight against terrorism and addressing the risks and threats to national security.

Chief of Defence Admiral Emil Eftimov expressed confidence that the Defence Ministry's military leadership will continue to actively pursue the priorities in the field of military intelligence. Eftimov praised the military intelligence personnel for its efforts to ensure Bulgaria’s defense and security in national and allied contexts. "Now, more than ever, the information you provide is essential to the capabilities of our Armed Forces. In today's complex world, with numerous hotspots in regions close to us, your work is even more vital in preventing risks and threats to the defense system," he said.

The Military Intelligence Service Director, Brigadier General Venelin Venev, highlighted the many successful missions completed over the past year, the intensive cooperation with allied and partner services within NATO and the EU, and the strong support the Service receives from senior government and military leadership.

On the occasion of the 117th anniversary of military intelligence service, servicepersons and civilian personnel were recognized for their high performance.

Today, the Military Intelligence Service, responsible for conducting strategic military intelligence, operates under the Defence Minister.

On January 12, 1908, the Information Office of Armed Forces Staff was transformed into the Intelligence Unit to become the first military intelligence service. In 1997, a ministerial order, dated February 11, declared January 12 as the professional holiday of Bulgarian military intelligence, the Ministry of Defence said.