Bulgaria to increase defense spending in 2027

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced plans to increase defense spending in 2027. While defense expenditures are projected to reach 2.13% of GDP in 2026, the government aims for further growth in 2027 despite budgetary constraints, describing the move as a coalition obligation.

The announcement followed the conclusion of the ‘Hawk Eye 26’ competition at the Slivnitza Training Center. During the event, units from the Land Forces demonstrated combat skills and practical expertise in operating unmanned aerial systems (drones) under European safety regulations.

The focus on drone technology and enhanced radar coverage follows regional security concerns, including a previous incident in August 2026 where a drone entered Bulgarian territory near the Romanian border. The government emphasized the need to rapidly implement modern unmanned systems and develop the national defense industrial base.