Defence Minister proposes €3.151 billion defence budget for 2027

Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov presented a draft defence budget for 2027 of €3.151 billion, or 2.23% of gross domestic product, on 13 November 2026. According to the figures he announced, the total is 17% higher than in 2026. The presentation took place in Sofia, BTA reported. These are proposed spending allocations, not a finally approved budget.

This is a developing story and further information may be added.

Nearly 41% of funding allocated to capital expenditure

According to the breakdown presented by the minister, capital expenditure accounts for 40.96% of the draft budget, maintenance receives 14.49%, and personnel is the largest allocation at 44.54%.

Applied to the overall total, these shares amount to approximately €1.291 billion for capital expenditure and €457 million for maintenance. These are calculations based on the announced percentages, not separately stated budget amounts.

Stoyanov also stated that combat aviation capabilities need to be expanded, BTA reports. This is not a decision to purchase additional aircraft. The report specifies no model, number, cost or timetable.

In Flank's assessment, the large share allocated to capital expenditure does not in itself mean more combat-ready equipment. The impact will depend on deliveries, personnel training and the provision of servicing. Without the detailed budget calculations, it is not possible to judge whether the planned maintenance funding is sufficient.

Personnel shortfall exceeds 20%, with no increase in pay

The personnel shortfall in the Bulgarian Armed Forces exceeds 20%, BTA reports. According to Stoyanov, €27.5 million has been allocated in the central budget for military recruitment. He expressed hope that around 1,000 people would be recruited, adding that he would like the number to be higher.

At the same time, budget constraints do not allow an increase in military pay, the minister said. The draft therefore provides funding for recruitment, but not for higher pay.

The expected intake does not mean that the shortfall will fall by the same number of people. Assessing the outcome also requires taking account of departures and whether understaffed posts are filled.

Spending expected to reach 2.55% of GDP in 2029

According to Stoyanov, forecasts agreed with the Ministry of Finance envisage defence spending reaching 2.45% of GDP in 2028 and 2.55% in 2029. This is a stated budget outlook, not a guarantee of future implementation.

Assessing individual programmes requires the full text of the draft and the accompanying detailed calculations. The overall figures announced contain no breakdown by contract, delivery or infrastructure project. Further details may be added when the draft is published and the budget is considered.