Bulgaria's Chief of Defence, General Konstantin Popov, demanded increase in the salaries paid to servicemen.

In an interview for Darik radio on Saturday, Popov explained that the difference between the average wage in the country and the remuneration of the army was growing bigger.

In his words, there should be pay rise, but the size of the increase was subject to negotiations with the finance ministry.

Asked whether the defence ministry will be able to negotiate pay increase with the finance ministry, Popov said that he prefers to be realist and expressed hope that it will be achieved.

The Chief of Defence also noted that there is considerable shortage of cadres in the army which is around 20 %.

According to him, the lack of specialists at certain positions represented much greater problem. He pointed to the significant problem with the officer personnel.

Popov also commented the plan of the government to acquire sixteen new military aircraft and two new patrol ships, which was approved by the parliament on Thursday.

With regards to the airplanes, the Chief of Defence said that it does not matter so much whether these are new or old ones. Their life cycle was of greater importance and it was important that their fighting capability is least twenty years.

He noted that initially eight aircraft will be acquired, with an option for the acquisition of another eight at a much later stage.

Popov also revealed that project for the modernisation of the land forces foresees the acquisition of 238 infantry machines.