# Bulgarian military anniversaries

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bulgarian-military-anniversaries
> Updated: 2026-10-18T04:26:46.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 3.

Bulgaria is observing significant military anniversaries. One commemoration marks the 82nd anniversary of the first combat deployment of the Parachute Company, which occurred in 1944 during the battle at Strazhin. The event honors fallen soldiers and recognizes the evolution of elite units, such as the 68th Special Forces Brigade, which now participate in NATO exercises.

On October 18, Military Parachutist Day was marked with ceremonial rituals in Sofia. At a memorial plaque for fallen parachutists at Narodno Sabranie Square, President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Iliyana Yotova accepted the honor guard and paid tribute to the achievements of Bulgarian parachutists. The ceremony was attended by Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov, Chief of Defense Admiral Emil Efthimov, and representatives from the Joint Special Interventions Command. Wreaths were laid in memory of those who died in service on behalf of the President and Prime Minister Rumen Radev.

Additionally, the nation is celebrating Aviation Day, marking 114 years since the first combat flight of Bulgarian military aviation in 1912 during the Balkan War. The commemoration includes ceremonies at the Aviator Monument involving high-ranking officials, including the President and the Defense Minister, to honor the historical significance of early reconnaissance and aerial bombing missions conducted by Lieutenant Radul Milkov and Lieutenant Prodan Tarakchiev.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-18: Bulgaria marks Military Parachutist Day and 82nd combat anniversary

Bulgaria commemorated Military Parachutist Day and the 82nd anniversary of the Parachute Company’s first combat mission with ceremonies in Sofia attended by President Iliyana Yotova.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-marks-military-parachutist-day-and-82nd-combat-anniversary

### 2026-10-15: Bulgaria celebrates 114 years of military aviation in Sofia

Bulgaria marks the 114th anniversary of its military aviation with ceremonies in Sofia, honoring fallen aviators and commemorating the first combat flight in 1912.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-celebrates-114-years-of-military-aviation-in-sofia

### 2026-10-15: Bulgaria marks 82nd anniversary of military paratroopers' combat debut

Bulgaria celebrates Paratrooper Day, marking 82 years since the Parachute Company's first combat deployment in 1944.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-marks-82nd-anniversary-of-military-paratroopers-combat-debut

---
Cite as: Bulgarian military anniversaries. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bulgarian-military-anniversaries