"The processes of modernization and rearmament of the Bulgarian Army are underway, with the aim being to strengthen the capabilities of deterrence and defense."
This was emphasized by Acting Military Minister Atanas Zapryanov at a meeting with the State Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Defense of the Federal Republic of Germany, Benedict Zimmer. This was announced by the press center of the Ministry of Defense.
Security in the Black Sea region and the need to increase the defense budget, increase the defense capabilities and interoperability of the Bulgarian Armed Forces, as well as the aspects in which the Federal Republic of Germany can provide assistance to Bulgaria, were in the focus of the talks.
Minister Zapryanov highly appreciated bilateral cooperation in the field of defense and open relations based on constructive dialogue. Both sides expressed their readiness to strengthen interaction and develop new partnerships through joint participation in projects and initiatives of common interest.
Military-technical cooperation in the field of defense was also among the topics discussed. Atanas Zapryanov expressed his appreciation for the support provided by the Federal Republic of Germany in the process of modernization of the Bulgarian Army, including within the framework of the "Shield of the European Sky" initiative.
Joint steps were outlined following the signing in September of the Program Agreement between the defense ministries of the two countries for the joint purchase of the IRIS-T SLM ground-based air defense systems.
„The decision of the Federal Ministry of Defense to provide project management services free of charge is a good example of cooperation in the field of armaments policy”, Zapryanov pointed out.
Secretary of State Benedict Zimmer, in his turn, identified as a key factor for the development of military capabilities the holding of as many and different joint trainings and exercises as possible, in order to achieve the maximum effect of interoperability between NATO allies.
The two sides confirmed their readiness for further constructive talks on the deepening of bilateral military-technical cooperation.