Bulgaria Honors Armed Forces

On May 6, Bulgaria marked St. George’s Day—also celebrated as the Day of Valour and Bulgarian Armed Forces Day—with official statements from political and military leaders, emphasizing unity, military honour, and the modernization of national defense, CE Report quotes BTA

President Rumen Radev praised the Armed Forces’ professionalism and resilience in the face of political pressure and disinformation, urging them to resist division and uphold their honour. He highlighted the need to invest in defense capabilities and maintain open dialogue between political and military leadership, warning that “alliance membership means little without our own capabilities.”

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening national security through modernization, including rearmament, cybersecurity, and increased military recruitment, stressing that defending Bulgaria is a shared responsibility.

Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov addressed concerns over a minor technical issue with Bulgaria’s first F-16 Block 70 fighter jet, stating the issue was non-political and being resolved. Chief of Defence Admiral Emil Eftimov echoed this, assuring the public that the issue was minor and part of routine modernization efforts.

Military Medical Academy head Gen. Ventsislav Mutafchiyski honored military medics as symbols of modern heroism both at home and abroad, while other party leaders, including Delyan Peevski, Dzhevdet Chakarov, Kostadin Kostadinov, and Slavi Trifonov, highlighted national unity, respect for the military, and Bulgaria’s cultural traditions associated with the holiday.

The day concluded with a strong national message: in challenging times, Bulgaria stands by its armed forces, honouring their service and investing in their future.