site.btaDefence Ministry, INSAIT Institute Sign Cooperation Memorandum

A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed  between the Defence Ministry and the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology INSAIT at Sofia University on Tuesday, the Defence Ministry said.

The document provides for cooperation in the fields of innovation, computer science, artificial intelligence, research, cybersecurity and development. The document was signed by Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov and INSAIT Executive Director Borislav Petrov.

"Cyberspace and artificial intelligence management are in the focus of NATO, the European Union and the entire collective defence system, including individual countries and our army," Zapryanov said. He stressed the crucial importance of information technology and cyber security for the development of modern defence technologies.   

"According to the programme for investment in defence until 2032, one part of the modernization projects is related not only to the acquisition of new military systems, but also to the acquisition of new systems for their management, networking, which brings the issues of cyber security, training, artificial intelligence to the attention of the defence," the minister said.   
  
The use of artificial intelligence in defence systems and processes can lead to faster and more accurate decisions, Atanas Zapryanov said in November last year, adding that we need to make sure technology is used responsibly.  
  
"As a strategic state institute, it is our duty and honour to contribute with our capabilities and the technologies at our disposal to the development and modernization of the Bulgarian defence system and the capacity of the Ministry of Defence," Borislav Petrov said today.   

The Memorandum will have a 5-year duration, and each year an annual plan with specific goals and objectives will be proposed and approved by both parties. The two sides will hold regular meetings to work on the priority areas and will jointly participate in various forums, exhibitions and other forms of exchange of knowledge and good practices.  
  
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Ministers of Defence Adelina Nikolova and Radostin Iliev, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Defence and the military education system.