Main a challenge for the next leadership of the Ministry of Defense, and for years to come, will be the shortage of personnel. This is what the Acting Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov said this evening in Varna, who congratulated the personnel of the Naval Forces (Navy) on the occasion of the 145th anniversary of the Navy, BTA reported.
The shortage of trained people for the Armed Forces, including the Navy, is too high, Zapryanov pointed out. According to him, this is a weakness for our country's capabilities. The armed forces are being modernized, the state has set aside billions for expensive equipment, but for that it needs people, the minister said. As a problem, he also emphasized that for the second year, the vacancies for cadets in higher military schools in our country will not be filled. According to him, personnel can be attracted not only by raising wages, but also by changing the social policy.
Atanas Zapryanov pointed out that the leadership of the ministry highly values the dedication and professionalism with which the personnel of the fleet perform their daily duties. Today, the Black Sea is an area of war and your contribution to ensuring the safety of navigation in it is indisputable, the minister said, stressing that the Navy serves valiant men and women who have the skills and will to protect the sovereignty of our country. He recalled that at the end of 2025, the fleet will already have the first of its new multifunctional ships, and the next one will enter its ranks in 2027. The minister assured that the vessels will be fully equipped. The capabilities of the Navy will be upgraded, they will have the most modern equipment, and in the longer term – and with rocket launchers, added Zapryanov.
The Chief of Defense, Admiral Emil Eftimov, also congratulated the military sailors. He also emphasized that the Navy is handling all the challenges they face with dignity. The war in Ukraine completely changed security perspectives and confirmed the correctness of Bulgaria's choice to be part of the Alliance, Eftimov pointed out and added that the navy is actively working to increase the compatibility of forces and acquire new capabilities.
We are working on the implementation of a series of projects for the modernization of the Navy, but this also poses new challenges related to the training of people, added the admiral. According to him, the navy personnel have always been pragmatic, resourceful and dedicated, and this guarantees the future of the Naval Forces.
The funds that are spent on the fleet are not given in vain, the results are visible, because we produce security and peace of mind, pointed out the commander of the Navy, Rear Admiral Kiril Mihailov. He expressed his pride that everyone from the Navy is doing what is necessary to guarantee the maritime sovereignty and interests of Bulgaria. This allows us today, after 145 years, to say with our heads held high that we fulfill our duty with dignity, Mihailov summarized.
By orders of the Minister of Defense and the Chief of Staff, 29 officers and one civilian employee were awarded this evening.