The Chief of Defense, Admiral Emil Eftimov, said that 2025 is a turning point for the transformation and development of the modernization of the Armed Forces. This was reported by the press center of the Ministry of Defense (MOD). Today, Admiral Eftimov got acquainted with the Analysis of the Status and Preparation of the Land Forces (LF) in the past 2024, BTA summarized.
„The delivery of the first vehicles from the main project for the acquisition of basic combat equipment for battalion battle groups is imminent, especially for the LF. This is a difficult task, related to structural changes, training of specialists, further development of the vision, so that the funds allocated by the state for defense can quickly turn into modern defense capabilities,“ said Admiral Eftimov.
The Land Forces should be proud of what was achieved in 2024, said the Chief of Defense. He indicated that he was extremely pleased with the diligence of the command and commander of the Land Forces. They have a clear idea of the organizational structure, the training of the headquarters, formations and officers, as well as a vision for the development of the sergeant corps, which elevates its role and in a sense compensates for the shortage of officers. It is thought comprehensively – along with the development of the main modernization projects, the Land Forces initiative on the so-called. small projects that enhance capabilities and enable personnel to feel care and motivation in everyday life, Admiral Eftimov pointed out.
The meeting was attended by the commanders of the Joint Command of the Forces and the types of armed forces, representatives of the "Military Police" service, the Joint Command of Special Operations, the Logistic Support Command, the leadership, the heads of departments of the Land Forces Command and the commanders of military formations.
The challenges facing the Armed Forces, and in particular the Land Forces, are caused not only by the rapidly changing nature and scale of threats, but also by the new requirements for the capabilities of the forces as part of the collective defense and security system of NATO and the European Union, the Commander of the Land Forces, Major General Deyan Deshkov, pointed out in the analysis. “Our main focus remains the development of combat-ready Land Forces, which are able to generate the desired effects in all areas of the operational space in interaction with the other components and in coordination with the allied armies to deter potential aggression and protect the territorial integrity of the country, if necessary“, he noted.
The main focus of the activity over the past year was the implementation of the Land Forces project - acquisition of a main combat platform for the 61st Mechanized Brigade, the analysis reports. The modernization process of the main battle tank of the Land Forces - T-72 continued. Mobility and protection of personnel increased through the acquisition of an armored 4x4 all-terrain vehicle. Missile and artillery systems were acquired. A number of activities were initiated and are in the process of being implemented to acquire new air defense systems, individual weapons and equipment, unmanned aerial systems, reconnaissance equipment, and medical equipment.
The ground forces continued to be part of the NATO Stabilization Force operation in Kosovo (KFOR) and the EU military operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina “Altea”.
Around 2,600 servicemen participated during the year in extinguishing a huge number of long-lasting fires. The reconnaissance and disposal of unexploded ordnance formations were activated more than 60 times, destroying over 170 munitions.
Over 100 new recruits to the Land Forces of the Bulgarian Army took the military oath at a ceremony in the central square in Yambol a few days ago. The newly appointed servicemen are filling the ranks of the formations of the Second Tundzha Mechanized Brigade in the Yambol, Stara Zagora and Haskovo garrisons.