© Velko Angelov
Acting Minister of Defense Dimitar Stoyanov and Chief of Defense Emil Eftimov
There were suspicions that what we provide (to Ukraine, b.a.) is old and perhaps ineffective, but I will tell you the reaction of colleagues. They were amazed at the quality and condition, the maintenance of what we provided them. We have shown our attitude and respect for the Ukrainian people with the quality and maintenance of the weaponry we have provided”. This is what Chief of Defense Emil Eftimov told BNT today.
According to him, even before the war in Ukraine, the army started actions on increased vigilance, on land, air and land. “In the missions abroad, our focus is on the Western Balkans, preserving peace and security,” added Eftimov.
He emphasized that one of the tasks of the army was to be close to the population during floods, fires and medical situations. “We hear thanks and it is very touching, but our actions are not aimed at gratitude, but at really being a pillar of statehood and security in the country and helping the population,” Admiral Eftimov added. According to the chief of defense, the army has shown that people can rely on the institutions and the state.
In response to a question, Admiral Eftimov stated that, understandably, during the election campaign, the topic of the army was hardly touched upon. “It is normal in the conditions of the consequences of a pandemic, inflation and political crisis that the army is not on the agenda for politicians, but I still think that the topic is well represented in their programs,” commented the chief of defense. Admiral Eftimov expressed the opinion that with appropriate funding, the army can significantly increase its combat capabilities.
He emphasized that Bulgaria should be a solid ally of NATO in terms of the development of its defense capabilities. “If we do not develop them, we create a vacuum and additional commitment of our allies. We should not be a vacuum in terms of capabilities. We have lagged behind even on a regional scale compared to countries with a similar population and Gross Domestic Product,” noted Efimov.
In his words, industrial capacity and logistics are key to a country’s combat capability, and in this regard, Bulgaria performs well. For the defense chief, there is no alternative to rearming the army.
2023-05-05 19:37:40
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