Bulgaria continues to face systematic hybrid attacks from Russia, aimed at influencing the country’s sovereign strategic decisions. The 2023 government report on state security and defense highlights that a significant challenge for the armed forces is personnel shortages. Additionally, the document notes that the freedom of navigation in the Black Sea has been systematically violated.
“Due to the changed strategic environment resulting from the war in Ukraine, Bulgaria has continued to actively participate in building NATO’s defensive potential and enhancing the Alliance’s presence in the Black Sea. The construction of a multinational NATO battle group within the country was a central effort. Furthermore, Bulgaria’s participation in the EU’s common security and defense policy was identified as a priority of defense policy,” the report states.
Bulgaria’s participation in the operation to disarm sea mines in the Black Sea, in collaboration with Turkey and Romania, was acknowledged as a significant initiative. Additionally, there was an enhancement in the exchange of information with the naval forces of Turkey, Romania, France, and the U.S. Sixth Fleet.
Last year, the NATO battle group achieved operational capabilities to manage at the brigade level, as stated in the report.
The document identifies a significant issue with the Bulgarian armed forces: a personnel shortage, estimated to be 21.8% at the end of 2023. The most substantial deficits are among officers, soldiers, and sailors.
A particularly worrying issue is the shortage of personnel in the land forces. Despite initiatives aimed at improving recruitment, the expected results were reportedly not achieved.
Bulgaria’s participation in the operation to disarm sea mines in the Black Sea, in collaboration with Turkey and Romania, was acknowledged as a significant initiative. Additionally, there was an enhancement in the exchange of information with the naval forces of Turkey, Romania, France, and the U.S. Sixth Fleet.
Last year, the NATO battle group achieved operational capabilities to manage at the brigade level, as stated in the report.
The document identifies a significant issue with the Bulgarian armed forces: a personnel shortage, estimated to be 21.8% at the end of 2023. The most substantial deficits are among officers, soldiers, and sailors.
A particularly worrying issue is the shortage of personnel in the land forces. Despite initiatives aimed at improving recruitment, the expected results were reportedly not achieved.
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