Strategic security environment and the transition of the Bulgarian Armed Forces

Abstract

For the defence system of the Republic of Bulgaria the major transformation trends have been identified as a result of a strategic defence review (SDR) prepared in 2003-2004. The most important conclusions of the SDR, including the reduction of unit numbers, a modernisation plan, and the long-term vision for development of the Bulgarian Armed Forces (AF) up to 2015 and the full professionalisation of the AF by the end of 2010, are presented in this work. Data regarding the destruction of warheads and motors of twenty-four Soviet CC-23 rockets and sixty-seven "Scud" and "Frog" rockets, as well as the conversion of some military bases in Bulgaria are also discussed in this paper. © 2007 Springer.