Sofia plans to spend €19 billion on defence by 2035

The Bulgarian government plans to invest €19 billion in military equipment and defence capabilities by 2035.

This becomes clear from the investment plan published by the Council of Ministers. A significant portion of the funding is expected to come from the national budget and through the European Union's SAFE loan instrument.

Between 2026 and 2028, Bulgaria will maintain the minimum required level of defence spending as a share of GDP, ranging between 2.15% and 2.65%. According to the detailed proposal, this is necessary to ensure funding for military personnel and the day-to-day maintenance of the armed forces, as well as to meet obligations under international contracts related to rearmament and modernization projects.

After that period, defence spending is expected to increase at a faster pace. A key role in this process will be played by financing through the EU's low-interest SAFE loan facility.

Bulgaria plans to acquire a number of weapons platforms and defence systems worth €3.26 billion, which are to be delivered by 2030.

By 2035, defence expenditure is expected to reach 3.5% of GDP, in line with the target set by NATO.

Edited by Ivo Ivanov