The personnel deficit in the Bulgarian Armed Forces stood at 20.5% in 2025, marking a slight improvement of 1.8 percentage points compared to the previous year, according to the Report on the State of Defense and the Armed Forces, approved by the caretaker government on April 1. Despite this modest progress, the share of vacant positions remains close to 2024 levels, with shortages continuing to pose a serious challenge. The report identifies long-term underfunding as the most significant issue affecting the country’s defense capabilities.

The shortage varies across different categories of personnel. Among officers, the gap reaches 26.8%, while it is 10.7% for officer candidates and 11.3% for sergeants and chief sergeants. The deficit among soldiers and sailors stands at 23.9%. The most noticeable improvement is seen among soldiers, where the shortage has decreased by 4.3%, as well as among guards, where the drop exceeds 10%.

At the same time, the voluntary reserve remains critically understaffed. By the end of 2025, it had reached just 18.6% of its planned capacity, with 558 reservists out of a target of 3,000 under Program 2032. Efforts to recruit personnel show some positive signs, with 23 competitions held for 1,975 soldier positions and 1,290 appointments made, filling around 65% of the vacancies. On average, there were four candidates per position, although interest was significantly lower in certain units, such as the National Guard, where applications matched positions one-to-one.

Salary increases for military personnel are beginning to have an effect, helping to slow the outflow of servicemen and attract new applicants, although their full impact is yet to be assessed. The report points to several persistent obstacles in recruitment, including declining public health, gaps in education quality, and insufficient physical preparedness among candidates. Additional challenges affect the voluntary reserve, where recruitment is hindered both by the current international climate and by medical requirements that limit the participation of older individuals.

defense spending in 2025 amounted to 4.8 billion leva, representing 2.13% of GDP. While this meets the 2% benchmark, the report considers it insufficient for achieving long-term defense goals. It calls for a gradual increase in funding in line with allied commitments, including plans to reach 5% of GDP by 2035, with 3.5% allocated to core defense needs. Such an increase is seen as essential for meeting NATO capability targets.

Modernization efforts continued in line with Program 2032 and the defense Investment Program. In 2025, Bulgaria received the first eight F-16 Block 70 aircraft. Progress was also made on the acquisition of two modular patrol vessels under a contract with Naval Vessels Luerssen, with the first ship, Hrabri, already commissioned and the second nearing completion. Work also advanced on projects for new air defense missile systems and three-dimensional radar installations.

The report describes a deteriorating global security environment marked by rising tensions among major powers and intensifying regional conflicts. The war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, and competition over supply chains, resources and technologies are cited as key factors shaping the current landscape. According to the document, Russia continues to represent the main source of instability, with its war against Ukraine generating significant risks for European security, alongside growing concerns over sabotage and hybrid activities.