Dimitar Stoyanov: Military pay will not rise in 2027

According to 24 Chasa, Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov told BNT that service personnel would receive no pay rise in 2027. The interview on the Denyat Zapochva programme was covered on 4 November 2026 by the Ministry of Defence Information Centre, 24 Chasa and Novinite. These reports relay the same statement and do not constitute separate confirmations. At the time of publication, Flank had found no independent confirmation of a final budget decision or agreed compensation under the Stryker programme.

Higher pay would reduce capital spending

In the account of the interview published by the Ministry of Defence Information Centre, Stoyanov links a possible pay rise to cuts in capital spending. 24 Chasa reports the same: “If we increase pay, we have to cut capital spending.” The minister expresses hope that the restriction will be temporary.

This distinction is significant. The Novinite report mentions social spending, while the official account and 24 Chasa refer to capital spending. The minister is therefore outlining a choice between pay and investment funding, rather than between military pay and social payments.

The statement sets out the minister’s position on the 2027 budget, but does not replace a final budget decision. Without financial calculations, it is not possible to establish whether cutting capital spending is the only way to fund higher pay.

Five Strykers handed over, three more expected by year-end

According to the Ministry of Defence Information Centre, Stoyanov says the first five Stryker vehicles have already been handed over to the 61st Brigade, another 25 are ready, and three are expected to arrive by the end of the year. 24 Chasa reports him as saying that the first five were handed over on Tuesday, 3 November. Vehicles ready for delivery and those already handed over are at different stages of the programme’s implementation.

The minister describes the acquisition as a project within the delayed modernisation effort, on which several governments have worked. According to Novinite, he attributes the delay to the US side and says Bulgaria will not seek financial penalties. This is his assessment of the causes and his stated approach, not independently established contractual liability.

All three reports describe an intention to seek compensation in the form of spare parts and the earlier provision of older Strykers for training. The Ministry of Defence Information Centre describes this as goodwill compensation. The terms, quantities and timelines have not been specified.

A regional maintenance centre remains an intention

According to Novinite, Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov says Bulgaria intends to become a regional centre for servicing Stryker vehicles. Novinite identifies North Macedonia and Ukraine as potential users. This does not mean there are confirmed customers or agreed orders. The location, funding and partners for the future centre are unclear.

Receiving equipment does not in itself demonstrate readiness to use it in combat.

The older vehicles could support training if provided, but their practical value will depend on how closely they match the variants being delivered. The next verifiable steps are the 2027 budget, the compensation terms and specific decisions on the repair centre.