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Modernization program of the Bulgarian army is not financially secure: Defence Minister

Dimitar Stoyanov, caretaker defence minister
Photo: BGNES

The caretaker Minister of Defence Dimitar Stoyanov has commented that there are gaps and ambiguities in the decision adopted by the last parliament on the modernization of the Bulgarian army by 2032. No financial security has been envisaged, he claims.


It is written that weapons and equipment should only be acquired from countries in the EU and NATO, which excludes Israel or Switzerland. The provision of a military aircraft to replace the decommissioned MiG-29 until the arrival of the F-16s ordered from the USA is also a problem. The deadline for finding planes is February 15, and negotiations with Sweden, France and Israel are still ongoing, Stoyanov said. 

The ministry has also requested bids for the acquisition of 3D radars, infantry fighting vehicles, 155-mm howitzers and anti-aircraft missile systems, to be purchased with installment payments of up to 15 years.

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