The first F-16 fighters will arrive in our country in the first quarter of 2025 , as pilots will be trained on them in the US this fall. Next year we will also receive the new "Stryker" machines.
This was stated to BNT by the Acting Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov.
"If there is a parade next year, I hope there will be an occasion, the first F-16s may also fly," said the minister.
The Bulgarian army is in good condition and welcomes its holiday with satisfaction from what it has achieved, he pointed out.
"All plans and preparations have been carried out, the duties are carried out, the air and sea sovereignty is ensured by the Armed Forces".
This year there is no military parade, because May 6 coincided with Resurrection and according to religious tradition priority is given to the Easter holidays so that our servicemen can be in a family environment, said Atanas Zapryanov.
In his words, the modernization of the army is underway and people see the future with new planes, combat vehicles and ships. The increase in salaries in the army is a wise state decision and a high assessment of the parliament for the Armed Forces, Zapryanov believes.
"The financial instrument is important, but it is not enough. The onus is now on the political leadership of the Ministry of Defense, the military leadership, to develop other mechanisms to make the military profession attractive.
The shortage is most worrying in the Ground Forces and in particular in our main combat brigades, which under the new NATO requirements must maintain a high level of readiness.
The situation around our country is being monitored with caution, because a war is being waged not far from us. The armed forces are ready to defend our country, but despite this there is no direct military threat to Bulgaria, Zapryanov is categorical.
"Bulgaria is at the crossroads of the Eastern flank of the Alliance, therefore for us the threats are the same as for Romania, Poland, the Baltic countries. That is why there are NATO forces deployed on the entire eastern flank. For 75 years, NATO has shown determination and readiness to defend its territory.