The report presents to the National Assembly and the public an objective assessment of the condition of the Bulgarian Armed Forces and the results achieved in the field of defence during the year. The focus of efforts throughout the year included: improving the execution of the missions and tasks of the Armed Forces. accelerating the development and maintenance of the necessary defence capabilities and addressing capability gaps, rearmament and modernization, filling vacant positions, staffing, and training of the voluntary reserve, fulfilling NATO Capability Targets, and building capabilities along with active strategic communication with the public.
The main finding in the report is that the existing capability gaps in the armed forces cannot be overcome by maintaining defence spending at the level of 2% of GDP. Systemic underfunding does not allow for resolving personnel shortages or accelerating modernization and rearmament. This leads to limitations in the fulfillment of tasks, especially those related to the deterrence and defence mission.
In the medium term, provided that defence spending increases steadily, this situation will improve significantly through accelerated rearmament, the integration of newly acquired modern weapons and equipment, and the positive effect of measures taken to fill vacant military positions.
In a fundamentally changed strategic environment and amid growing military threats to security, defence should remain at the center of national security policy, with the necessary resource and political support from the government, parliament, and Bulgarian society.
Based on the conclusions drawn, the report also outlines the main areas of work for 2026 and in the medium term, in which the Ministry of Defence will focus its efforts.
/IV/