site.btaPersonnel Shortfall to Top Defence Ministry's Priority List for Years to Come - Zapryanov

"The personnel shortfall will present a major challenge to the next Defence Ministry leadership, as well as for years to come," Bulgarian caretaker Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov said here on Saturday evening.

He attended observances of the 145th anniversary of the Bulgarian Navy.

"The Armed Forces, including the Navy, have too many vacancies for trained people," the Defence Minister pointed out, describing this as "eroding this country's capabilities". "The Armed Forces are being modernized, the State is investing billions in expensive equipment, but this requires human resources," Zapryanov commented. Another problem he singled out is that for a second year running, higher military schools will have unfilled openings for cadets. In his opinion, a pay rise is not enough to increase the attraction of the military profession: it will also take a change in social policy.

Zapryanov said that his Ministry's leadership highly appreciates the selflessness and professionalism with which the Navy personnel perform their daily duties. "The Black Sea now is a war zone, and your contribution to ensuring the safety of shipping there is undeniable," the Minister said, stressing that "brave men and women serve in the Bulgarian Navy, possessing skills and a will to defend our country's sovereignty." He recalled that the first new multi-role ship will enter service at the end of 2025, to be followed by the next one in 2027. Both vessels will be fully equipped. The Navy's capabilities will be upgraded with state-of-the-art materiel that, in the longer term, will include guided-missile boats.

The seamen were also congratulated by the Chief of Defence, Admiral Emil Eftimov. He, too, emphasized that the Navy is coping befittingly with all challenges it faces. "The war in Ukraine has caused a dramatic shift in security prospects and has confirmed that Bulgaria made the right choice to be part of the Alliance," Eftimov pointed out, adding that the Navy is actively working for an enhancement of force interoperability and the acquisition of new capabilities.

"Work is underway on a series of Navy modernization projects, which in turn gives rise to new challenges related to personnel training," the Admiral added. In his words, the Navy personnel have always been practical, resourceful and dedicated, and this guarantees the future of this armed service.

"The financial resources that are spent on the Navy are money well spent, the results are tangible, because we generate security and ease of mind," said the Commander of the Bulgarian Navy, Rear Admiral Kiril Mihaylov. He pointed out that he was proud that the Navy is doing what it takes to guarantee Bulgaria's maritime sovereignty and interests.

On August 5, the annual celebrations started traditionally in the city of Ruse (on the Danube), where the Navy of the Principality of Bulgaria was established on August 12, 1879.