site.bta2025 Is Turning Point for Armed Forces Modernization, Admiral Eftimov Says

Chief of Defence Admiral Emil Eftimov said that 2025 is a turning point for the transformation and development of the Armed Forces modernization, the press centre of the Ministry of Defence said Wednesday. Admiral Eftimov was briefed on the Analysis of the Status and Training of the Land Forces for the past 2024. 

"Especially for the Land Forces, the first machines of the main project for the acquisition of basic combat equipment for battalion battle groups are to be delivered", Eftimov said. "This is a difficult task, related to structural changes, training of specialists, further refinement of the development vision, so that the funds allocated by the state for defence can be quickly converted into modern defence capabilities". The Chief of Defence said that he was extremely pleased with the efforts of the command and the commander of the Land Forces. Thinking comprehensively - along with the development of major modernization projects, the initiative on so-called small projects, which enhance capabilities and enable personnel to feel care and motivation in everyday life, has a great effect", the Admiral added. 

The meeting was attended by the commanders of the Joint Force Command and the Armed Forces, representatives of the Military Police Service, the Joint Special Operations Command, the Logistic Support Command, the leadership, the heads of departments of the Land Forces Command and the commanders of military formations. Army Commander Major General Deyan Deshkov pointed out in the analysis that the primary focus remains building a combat-capable army in conjunction with other components and in coordination with allied armies, that can generate the desired effects in all areas of the operational space to deter potential aggression and protect the Bulgarian territorial integrity. 

The analysis shows that the main focus of the activity in 2024 was the implementation of the project of the Army - acquisition of a main combat platform for the 61st Mechanized Brigade. The modernization process of the main battle tank of the Army - T-72 - continued. Mobility and protection of the personnel were increased by acquiring an armoured 4x4 all-terrain vehicle. Missile and artillery systems were acquired. Ground troops continued to be part of the NATO Stabilization Force in Kosovo (KFOR) and the EU military operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina "Altea". Around 2,600 troops were involved in a huge number of firefighting operations during 2024. The reconnaissance and clearance formations were activated more than 60 times, destroying more than 170 munitions. Over 100 new recruits to the Bulgarian Army's Land Forces took the oath at a ceremony in Yambol a few days ago. The new recruits fill the ranks of the Second Tundzha Mechanized Brigade formations, garrisoned in Yambol, Stara Zagora and Haskovo.