Published: 13 July 2025 | Author: Dr. Dimitar Keranov
Bulgaria Must Leave Soviet Armament Behind - Fully and Finally
Bulgaria today faces a simple fact: Russia has officially declared it an unfriendly state. Yet much of the country’s military still relies on obsolete Soviet systems — all dependent on Russian parts, maintenance, and know-how.
For a NATO member, this is neither sustainable nor serious.
Keeping Soviet armament undermines Bulgaria’s security, its alliances, and its credibility. Outdated systems mean lower readiness, unreliable defense, and political vulnerability.
The delivery of American F-16 Block 70 fighters and Stryker vehicles is an important step. But it must not stop there. Bulgaria must fully replace Soviet-era platforms: artillery, air defense, drones, support vehicles — everything.
If Sofia does not realize this quickly, it will not be able to protect itself, nor stand with its allies. And it will remain tied to Moscow’s shadow.
