Defense Minister Nikolai Nenchev: Bulgarian Army Requires a New Beginning
2 June 2016
“The modernization of the equipment of the Bulgarian Army has been delayed for a period of 25 years. The Bulgarian Army is having difficulties with the old armaments and requires a new beginning”, Minister of Defense Nikolai Nenchev said today in National Assembly during the discussion of the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers for the acquisition of new type of combat aircraft and new type of multi-purpose modular patrol vessel.
Minister Nenchev also said that the Government will do their best to improve the status of the military. The planned changes to the Law on Defense and Armed Forces are entirely in this spirit. “The new equipment will improve the motivation of the military. The funds invested in the modernization of the Armed Forces will return repeatedly. We will try to provide for the participation of the Bulgarian industry in the projects”, said Minister of Defense Nikolay Nenchev and stressed that Bulgaria should generate security and stability. The minister also provided some remarks on the exact funding approved by the National Assembly for the delivery of new aircraft and ships. According to him, this year contracts for delivery of military equipment will be signed.
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On 2 June 2016 the Bulgarian National Assembly passed the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers for the acquisition of new type of combat aircraft and new type of multi-purpose modular patrol vessel. 123 Members of Parliament voted in favor, 29 voted against and 4 abstained from voting for the project for acquisition of combat aircraft. 111 Members of Parliament voted in favor, and a total of 30 voted against and abstained from voting for the project for acquisition of multi-purpose modular patrol vessel.