Bulgaria’s government has outlined an extensive long-term plan to modernize its armed forces, with total defense-related investments projected at around €19 billion by 2035. Of this amount, approximately €9 billion is allocated directly to armaments procurement and military modernization.
According to details of the investment strategy published by the government and reported by BNR, funding will come from both the national budget and the EU-backed SAFE loan instrument. The plan sets out a gradual increase in defense spending over the next decade, aligned with NATO commitments and evolving security conditions.
Between 2026 and 2028, defense expenditure is expected to remain within a range of 2.15% to 2.65% of GDP. Officials describe this as the minimum level required to cover personnel costs, operational maintenance of the armed forces, and obligations tied to international procurement and modernization agreements.
After 2028, spending is expected to accelerate modestly, supported largely by financing under the EU SAFE mechanism, which provides low-interest loans for defense projects. During this phase, Bulgaria plans to acquire weapons systems and military platforms valued at roughly €3.26 billion, to be introduced gradually by 2030.
