Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Bulgaria must have 43,000-strong army at minimum

Photo: BGNES

The Bulgarian government has approved a program for the development of the Armed Forces, BTA has reported. Their total number by 2032 should not be less than 43,000 people with 3,000 people in reserve. Defense spending must reach 2% of GDP by 2024. If the economic situation allows it, defense spending must be maintained at this or higher level, the document reads.

The Armed Forces must also have the main priority defense capabilities needed to cover a large part of the minimum operational requirements for carrying out the tasks assigned to them under three missions - "Defense", "Support of International Peace and Security" and "Contribution to National Pecurity in Peacetime".




Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

North Macedonia urged to abide by EU commitments

Candidates for EU membership must abide by the criteria and conditions they have agreed to themselves . This was stated by Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev after a meeting in Sofia with his German counterpart Johann Wadephul, BGNES..

published on 10/14/25 11:14 AM
German foreign minister Johann Wadeful in Sofia

Germany's foreign minister Johann Wadephul comments on processes in the Middle East during Sofia visit

During his visit to Bulgaria, which coincided with the signing of the Gaza agreement in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, the German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul  commented on the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Bulgaria and..

published on 10/14/25 9:15 AM
German foreign minister Johann Wadephul (left) with Bulgarian foregn minister Georg Georgiev

Bulgaria and Germany discuss the future “European Sky Shield” system

The relations between Bulgaria and Germany are excellent. Germany is among our closest strategic partners. This was stated by Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev after a meeting with his visiting German counterpart Johann Wadephul. The two discussed..

published on 10/14/25 8:50 AM