No plans to reinstate military draft, says Deputy Defence Minister Bozhilov

Reinstating mandatory conscription is not on the agenda, acting Deputy Minister Yordan Bozhilov told BNR.

“We are still facing recruitment problems, and the equipment must be operated by capable and educated personnel. There are not enough candidates for military service, and around 20% of positions in some units remain unfilled. Many applicants are rejected for medical or physical reasons,” Bozhilov said.

The Bulgarian Army’s main challenges are maintaining existing capabilities, conducting surveillance and standing duties, ensuring operational readiness and mastering new platforms, Chief of Defence Admiral Emil Efimov told BNR during the May 6 celebrations in Sofia.

“We are considering satellite surveillance. The Bulgarian Army has had drones since 2020. We are working with Bulgarian companies, testing the drones during exercises and at specialised training grounds, while also drawing on the experience of NATO, Ukraine and the EU,” Adm. Efimov added.

Editor: Ivo Ivanov