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

Defence Minister Zakov: 2% of GDP for defence is insufficient, we need a higher percentage

Defence Minister Dragomir Zakov.
Photo: BGNES

The second batch of eight F-16 fighter jets could be delivered by 2027. This was said by Defence Minister Dragomir Zakov to the Defence Committee in Parliament. "We are still in talks with the American side. We have not yet reached the stage of negotiating a price offer. I expect that to happen sometime in June," he added.
The cost of the equipment that Bulgaria would have to buy is between 3 and 6.6 billion euros, Zakov said. 
2% of GDP would not be sufficient to cover the needs, so we should re-consider a higher percentage for defence, he said.



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

molove_big

Changes to the Euro Act threaten the free market, say retailers

The Non-Food Traders Association (NFTA), which represents major retail chains in Bulgaria, has strongly opposed the proposed amendment to the Euro Introduction Act . According to the association, the changes are being considered at the last minute,..

published on 7/23/25 3:57 PM

The monthly cost of living for working people is rising, according to trade union

By the end of the second quarter of 2025, a net monthly income of BGN 2,748 (€1,331) is required to support a household of two adults and a child under the age of 14. A single person in work needs BGN 1,526 (€739) per month. These figures come from the..

published on 7/23/25 1:30 PM
Globetrotter I

Drilling for oil and gas to begin in the Bulgarian Black Sea in the autumn

After years of preparation and research, actual drilling for oil and natural gas is starting in the Bulgarian part of the Black Sea. OMV Petrom, the largest energy producer in Southeast Europe, and NewMed Energy Balkan, a subsidiary..

published on 7/23/25 11:26 AM