NATO will Deploy Patriot Air Defense Systems in Ukraine
NATO has announced plans to send Patriot air defense systems to the embattled nation
An unprecedented mechanism to oversee the way Bulgaria is spending funds on its army's modernization, NATO sources claim, quoted by a daily newspaper.
The alliance is now considering to make sure that Sofia will reach interoperability of the armed forces with those of other NATO members, Sega quotes the sources as saying.
Bulgaria's Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov has reportedly confirmed the information, adding the mechanism could be implemented either on a six months' or a yearly basis.
He has also hinted the cabinet might introduce changes in the projected increase in defense expenditures, which are currently at 1.3% of gross domestic output and should be boosted by 0.2 percent next year, in line with commitments to NATO made by President Rosen Plevneliev.
Bulgaria could thus start increasing the military spending in 2016 to reach the goal of 2% in 2014, and not in 2020 as initially planned.
NATO has long insisted Bulgaria should modernize its army and boost capabilities, a process which includes acquiring new fighter jets.
At the same time the government has put off the purchase for 2017 at the earliest, refusing to give the thumbs up on a BGN 800 M loan to be used for the new aircraft.
We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!
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
In a significant move towards bolstering security in the Black Sea region, the Turkish Parliament has ratified a memorandum paving the way for the establishment of a Mine Countermeasures Naval Group
Amidst escalating tensions in the Black Sea region, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivered a message of solidarity to allies, emphasizing the unwavering support of the United States
Following Iran's drone attack on Israel, Bulgaria's government has reassured its citizens that there is currently no immediate threat to national security
Amidst discussions in the Bulgarian parliament, Acting Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov has announced plans for a significant boost in military spending, aiming for it to reach 2.5% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP)
UN Happiness Report: Bulgaria's Astonishing Leap in Rankings
Bulgaria: 3 Regions With Lowest Life Expectancy - EU Report 2022