"This year is a strong and constructive one for Bulgarian defense." This was stated by Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov in his opening lecture during the ceremonial opening of the new academic year at the G.S. Rakovski Military Academy today, September 2.

"We are receiving new aircrafts and ships, and TEREM Holding will receive the first Stryker armored combat vehicles for assembly. We are also making progress on a number of other key modernization projects that will enable us to carry out the long-delayed rearmament," the Minister of Defense added.

According to him, we have already entered a constructive period of accelerated rearmament and modernization.

"This will enable Bulgaria to have modern armed forces and continue to establish itself as a strong and respected member of NATO and the EU," he emphasized, adding:

"When we talk about defense capabilities, you, the people, come first. This is not just about the new system of remuneration for your work and the increase in income, to which I am firmly committed. Not only will I insist that your salaries increase gradually over the next few years of our term in office, but I will also continue to work to build you up as true leaders. This is also the focus of the government's program for the defense sector.

With regard to higher military education and the role of the Military Academy, Minister Zapryanov pointed out that it is designed to provide students with the creative environment they need to develop and grow as leaders.

"In addition to intensively studying the lessons of modern warfare, especially those learned on the battlefields of Ukraine, the academy must focus its attention on the growing importance and role of innovation, and above all on the development of artificial intelligence and its military applications," he added.

In his lecture, Minister Zapryanov also touched on the changed security environment and the return of war to Europe after Russia's unjustified aggression against Ukraine, the new National Defense Strategy adopted by the government in March this year, hybrid warfare, the role of NATO as a guarantor of defense, and the results of the historic summit in The Hague in June this year. Emphasis was also placed on the government's management program in the "Defense" section, measures to overcome the shortage, mobilization preparation and the need for a broad public debate on its necessity, NATO's new plans, increasing the capacity of the defense industry, and other current topics.

Major General Staiko Prokopiev, head of the G. S. Rakovski Military Academy, also welcomed the students at the higher military educational institution with the words:

"Today is both a symbol of continuity and a new beginning. Continuity, because we are building on more than 110 years of tradition. A new beginning, because each academic year brings new responsibilities and a new mission."

According to him, the main goal of training at the Military Academy is to adapt military science to the strategic framework and the main parameters of defense policy.

"Bulgaria will rely on your wisdom, resilience, and readiness to lead others," he added.

The ceremonial opening of the new academic year at the G. S. Rakovski Military Academy was also attended by Deputy Chief of Defense Lieutenant General Mihail Popov, Chairman of the Defense Committee in the National Assembly Hristo Gadzhev, representatives of the senior military leadership, and others. | BGNES