Beating plowshares back into swords

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine might finally prompt the rearmament of Bulgaria’s military which has all but stalled in the past three decades

How a small plane flew over 7 countries and landed in Bulgaria without permission

The mystery of the phantom aircraft is a stress test for Bulgarian national security - which the state is so far failing

The second F-16 deal: late and more expensive

Despite political hopes that the second batch of 8 US-made fighters would be cheaper, the initial offer price stands at 1.7 billion USD - a third more than in 2019

The day in 3 news: US offers Bulgaria a new deal for 8 more F-16s, Inflation to hit 10.4%, State plans new gov’t bonds auction after last one fails

The day in 3 news: Prosecution to probe Petkov over Borissov arrest, President Radev offers helmets for Ukrainian civilians, Labor costs rise at the end of 2021

The week: Borissov arrested, Central Bank chairmanship tears the coalition, Resilience Plan still not ok

Former PM Borissov arrested, Guerilla war over BNB shakes the coalition and the Plan is still NOT alright

The day in 3 news: PM Petkov to discuss more aid for Ukraine with US Defence Secretary; Force majeure tabled in wake of war; Unemployment was 5.3% in 2021

Five days into the Ukraine war, Bulgaria continues to send mixed messages

While PM Petkov promises humanitarian and military aid to Kyiv, Defense Minister Yanev and BSP remain opposed to any significant moves in support of Ukraine

F-16s delayed: What happened to the new fighters for the Bulgarian air force?

Supply chain issues and logistical problems have stalled the production of the Lockheed Martin jets, postponing deliveries by up to two years

Day in 3 news: Spanish fighters deploy to Bulgaria for joint air policing, Radev convenes Security Council over state of the army, Environmental minister turns to EU Commission over air quality

Between a rock and a hard place: Bulgaria and the Ukraine crisis

Stuck in the middle of its allegiance to the Euroatlantic Alliance and its volatile domestic politics, Sofia is choosing to keep a low profile amidst rising NATO-Kremlin tensions

Eagle Down: the systemic flaws that led to the crash of a MiG-29

Inadequate resources, an ageing fighter fleet, criminally few flying hours for pilots and poor training - just some of the problems plaguing the Bulgarian Air Force

The day in 3 news: Bulgaria can now read Schengen visa records, Two Supreme Judges resign, Police harass journalists in Burgas

The outgoing government shuts down the National COVID unit

Why does it matter and what does it mean for the pandemic response in Bulgaria?

The Great Patriotic Rearmament

Despite the pandemic, Bulgaria went on a military spending spree in 2020 – and pledges to continue

Fast Reads

Bulgarian Air Force finally gets on a westbound flight

The parliament ratified a deal to purchase eight new F-16 US made fighter jets

Bulgaria embarks on a massive rearmament program without clear priorities

The process of selecting a new jetfighter for the Air Force has demonstrated the Ministry of Defense’s inability to manage complex projects

Novichok shock

Did Moscow test lethal substance in Sofia before Salisbury?

The paradox of Borissov's third government

Without opposition, yet weak and vulnerable