site.btaBulgarian, Slovak Defence Chiefs Discuss Prospects for Cooperation

Bulgaria's Chief of Defence, Admiral Emil Eftimov, and the Chief of the General Staff of the Slovak Armed Forces, General Daniel Zmeko, discussed prospects for developing defence cooperation. Admiral Eftimov is visiting Slovakia on February 13-15, the Defence Ministry said.

Eftimov said: "Bulgaria and Slovakia share common values and priorities in ensuring European and Euro-Atlantic security. Bulgaria appreciates highly military cooperation with Slovakia and encourages dialogue and the strengthening of our partnership. We see potential for deepening defence cooperation, including through exchange of experience in armed forces modernization and sharing best practices in the defence sector."

The two defence chiefs discussed the current state and modernization of their armed forces, as well as prospects for defence collaboration.

A central topic of the discussion was the exchange of experience regarding the acquisition and use of F-16 multirole fighter jets, which both countries are integrating as part of their efforts to modernize their air forces.

Admiral Eftimov stressed: "With the acquisition of the F-16 Block 70, the air forces of both nations are transitioning to a new generation of capabilities in the air domain. In this context, cooperation in areas such as joint training, logistics and supply will be essential. Joint exercises will not only enhance the skills of our pilots, but will improve the interoperability of the air forces."

The sides also discussed the development of air defence capabilities, including initiatives within the European Sky Shield programme, which Bulgaria and Slovakia joined in 2024.

Slovakia received its F-16 Block 70 fighters in July 2024. A contract for 14 aircraft was signed in late 2018, but delivery was delayed due to the pandemic.