Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Defence Minister Zakov: 2% of GDP for defence is insufficient, we need a higher percentage

Defence Minister Dragomir Zakov.
Photo: BGNES

The second batch of eight F-16 fighter jets could be delivered by 2027. This was said by Defence Minister Dragomir Zakov to the Defence Committee in Parliament. "We are still in talks with the American side. We have not yet reached the stage of negotiating a price offer. I expect that to happen sometime in June," he added.
The cost of the equipment that Bulgaria would have to buy is between 3 and 6.6 billion euros, Zakov said. 
2% of GDP would not be sufficient to cover the needs, so we should re-consider a higher percentage for defence, he said.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Bulgartransgaz raises loan to expand gas pipeline from Greece to Romania

July 4, Bulgartransgaz, Bulgaria's gas transmission and gas storage operator, is raising a loan of 100 million euros for the Vertical Gas Corridor. Through the expanded pipeline, Bulgaria will be able to transport natural gas from the USA, Azerbaijan,..

published on 6/17/25 12:31 PM
Ljubco Georgievski

Descendants of refugees from Macedonia refer the case of Ljubco Georgievski to EU institutions

The association "Descendants of refugees and migrants from the territory of North Macedonia" have sent a statement on the case of Ljubco Georgievski, chairman of the defunct association "Ivan Mihaylov Cultural Club" in Bitola. Protest in front..

published on 6/17/25 12:05 PM

“Diplomacy of Wonders” forum brings Bulgaria and Turkey closer

The forum “Diplomacy of Wonders - the most ancient wonders of Bulgaria and Turkey” was held in Sofia, organized by the Embassy of Turkey and Europa Nostra – Bulgaria An exhibition was presented in Sofia as part of the forum with..

published on 6/17/25 11:55 AM