Turkey Backs Mark Rutte for NATO Secretary General Role
Turkey has thrown its support behind outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte for the position of NATO Secretary General,
Sweden?s government has announced plans to increase the budget share of defense in the years to come until 2024.
The country?s number of aircraft and submarines is to be increased, and military presence in the Baltic sea is to be bolstered, according to the German Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.
For that period, the increase could amount to USD 832 M (around EUR 602 M), a sum which would be secured through fresh tax legislation and budget cuts in other areas, including energy cooperation with Russia.
In a joint article for the Swedish daily Dagens Nyheter, the leaders of four parties in cabinet said that an emphasis will be put in 2015's budget on strengthening the army.
Government representatives added they had decided to buy 10 more fighter jets to the Swedish defense company SAAB, apart from an order of 60 aircraft that had been previously planned.
Over the course of the last two decades, funds put aside for defense in Sweden have gradually dwindled, while the strength of the military has been drastically reduced.
Government officials however explained on Tuesday that Russia's actions "went beyond expectations" and "confirmed fears" among the country's ruling elite.
The idea to upgrade military capacities is an older one, though.
In April 2013, maneuvers made by six Russian aircraft over Swedish airspace triggered a nationwide debate on a possible re-armament, after the military's reaction was described as "inadequate".
Sweden's plans also come amid moves by NATO to step up the defense at its eastern flank.
They were agreed a few weeks ago in response to a threat that the alliance says is now being posed by Russia, which amassed troops on its border with Ukraine.
We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!
Bulgaria's Parliament has taken a significant step towards acquiring eight multi-role F-16 Block 70 aircraft and associated support by ratifying Amendment No. 2 to the Letter of Agreement (LOA) BU-D-SAB.
In an announcement made on Friday, Flotilla Admiral Georgi Penev, Deputy Commander of the Bulgarian Navy, revealed plans for significant upgrades and modernization within the naval forces
Specialists from the United States have conducted an inspection of the repair work at Bulgaria's air base near Graf Ignatievo
Vazovsky Machine Building Plants (VMZ) in Sopot have achieved a remarkable milestone, recording a staggering BGN 828 million in net sales revenue for the year 2023, doubling compared to the previous year
The Bulgarian National Assembly has unanimously voted in favor of a 30% salary increase for military personnel
Tensions in the Black Sea region have escalated, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as NATO announces plans to bolster its military presence, with a new base set to be established in Bulgaria
UN Happiness Report: Bulgaria's Astonishing Leap in Rankings
Bulgaria: 3 Regions With Lowest Life Expectancy - EU Report 2022