The development of the European defense industry is a strategic objective. The Bulgarian army must be modernized and the old Soviet armament replaced.
This was stated by the Chief of Defense Admiral Emil Eftimov at the spring session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Sofia, a BGNES reporter reported.
Eftimov confirmed the words of Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov that Russian warships did not violate Bulgaria's territorial waters.
However, Russian military actions in the region have had a negative impact on the economic zone of our country and other Black Sea countries.
The Black Sea region is becoming dangerous for the Russian fleet due to the successful Ukrainian strikes at sea.
Eftimov emphasized the key importance of the NATO peacekeeping mission in Kosovo - KFOR, in which Bulgaria has a significant participation, for the security of the Balkans.
This week, an additional contingent of 100 Bulgarian military personnel was sent, mainly from the 3rd Brigade Command - Blagoevgrad. The Bulgarian contingent will carry out tasks to support efforts to restore and maintain security in Kosovo.
The defense chief believes that the situation in Kosovo is currently stable.
"We support a constructive dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade," he said.
Eftimov also emphasized the need to maintain support for Ukraine in the war against Russia.
"The European defense industry is a strategic goal (for NATO). We need to replenish European stocks, but also acquire new capabilities," he said.
Regarding the Bulgarian army, Eftimov pointed out that it should be modernized by renewing the old Soviet weaponry.
"No country has the possibility to have absolutely all the possibilities alone, that is why the cooperation between NATO countries is so important," he explained.
The defense chief noted that interest in serving in the army is growing in line with modernization.
Emil Eftimov also said that Bulgaria, as a Black Sea country, is at risk from Russian hybrid attacks - disinformation, bringing division into Bulgarian society regarding Euro-Atlantic integration.
In this regard, measures are taken in cooperation with partners, including acquiring new capabilities and renewing the fleet. /BGNES
