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.

The strategy also takes into account uncertainty over the continuation of European defense financing tools beyond 2030. As a result, authorities plan a more measured increase in spending in the later years of the program. The long-term objective is for defense expenditure to reach 3.5% of GDP by 2035, in line with NATO targets set at the Hague summit.

In addition, the document foresees an additional allocation equivalent to 1.5% of GDP for broader defense-related functions. These include civil protection, strategic stockpiling, dual-use infrastructure, and capabilities supporting national defense planning.

Government officials argue that the investment program is necessary to strengthen Bulgaria's military capacity, meet NATO obligations, and respond to rising geopolitical risks.