Bulgarian army – smaller, more modern and effective

published on 12/7/10 2:19 PM

Photo: Архив

The Bulgarian army has been constantly changing ever since the falling apart of the Warsaw Pact and the accession of this country to NATO. Its previous state was a slightly modernized and improved copy of the military forces during the WWII – too many troops and less equipment and technologies. Today this country’s army is a relatively small one – some 44 100 people, while 30 years ago there were over 200 000 military troops serving in it. Its weaponry has been modernized step-by-step too.

Some white books that determined the main directions for the future development and functions of the army were compiled and the latest /and perhaps the most radical/ version was created in the autumn of 2010. It led to different reactions, such as the protests after the closure of a military training center in the town of Vratsa /Northwestern Bulgaria/ that had existed for 30 years. The protesters were motivated by their fears that the closure of the base would increase the unemployment and the local business would lose many customers. However, what does the new White Book say for Bulgaria’s defense? In 2014 the ground forces will have 13,800 soldiers and officers serving, the air forces will consist of 6,500 people and the naval crews will be built up of some 3,400 sailors. Or a total of about 25,000 people. The goal of this reduction of over 40% is money to be saved. However, these funds will be invested into new, modern and effective weaponries that will improve the defense system of this NATO member-state.

The Bulgarian government provides over 1.5% of its annual budget for the army, but the money is never enough. And during the times of economic crisis these funds were even increased with 11% and reached almost EUR 500 mln.

The new White Book, adopted by the government says that the defense budget shouldn’t be below 2% from this state’s GDP. The spending of this money is further explained. 15% of the military budget will modernize the army and will have to provide a better current support of the troops. According to the Defense Minister there will be EUR 22,000 provided for each man or woman on duty in 2014. Nowadays this sum is calculated to EUR 15,000. The selling of out-of-date or unused technique is also expected to bring money into the budget, following the experience of many other NATO member-states. These additional incomes will have to finance better the participation of Bulgarian troops in international peace operations abroad – for instance in Afghanistan, where there are over 600 soldiers and officers acting. The old-fashioned MiG-29 jet fighter aircrafts that have been constantly repaired and modernized for decades will have to be finally replaced too.

The new moment in the White Book is the responsibility that will be delegated to the people from the reserve for the protection of this country, especially in cases of natural and big industrial disasters. The Defense Ministry will provide the necessary EUR 5-6 mln. per year for the training and equipment of those forces.

English version: Zhivko Stanchev

По публикацията работи: Vladimir Sabev

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Bulgarian army – smaller, more modern and effective

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