Bulgaria Approves Roadmap to Raise Defense Spending to 5% of GDP by 2035
The Bulgarian government has endorsed a long-term plan that would gradually increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. The initiative includes major investments in military modernization, infrastructure, ammunition production, and defense-industrial development.
Bulgaria has approved a national framework that would raise defense spending to 5% of gross domestic product by 2035, setting out one of the country's most ambitious military investment programs since joining NATO.
The plan, approved by the Council of Ministers, establishes a phased increase in defense expenditures over the next decade. Bulgarian authorities estimate that approximately BGN 39 billion ($22 billion) in additional funding will be allocated to defense and security priorities during the period. The roadmap is intended to support force modernization, strengthen military readiness, and expand the country's defense-industrial base.
According to the government, the spending trajectory is designed to align Bulgaria with emerging NATO objectives as the alliance places greater emphasis on deterrence, stockpile replenishment, infrastructure resilience, and industrial capacity. The proposal follows ongoing discussions among NATO members regarding higher long-term defense spending commitments.
A significant portion of the planned investment is expected to be directed toward procurement programs across the land, air, maritime, cyber, and space domains. Bulgarian officials have also highlighted the need to improve military mobility infrastructure, expand logistics capabilities, and increase strategic reserves of ammunition and critical equipment.
The roadmap places particular emphasis on domestic industrial participation. Sofia intends to support local defense manufacturers through investments in production capacity, technology development, and integration into European and NATO supply chains. Ammunition production and maintenance capabilities are among the sectors expected to receive additional funding as European demand for munitions continues to rise.
The initiative comes as Bulgaria continues several major modernization programs, including the introduction of F-16 Block 70 fighter aircraft, new armored vehicle acquisitions, naval modernization efforts, and upgrades to command-and-control systems. Higher defense budgets could accelerate future procurement projects while creating opportunities for international defense contractors seeking industrial partnerships in the country.
Beyond military capabilities, the government plans to invest in dual-use infrastructure and resilience measures that support both defense requirements and broader national security objectives. These include transport networks, energy security projects, communications systems, and cyber protection initiatives.
For the defense industry, the decision signals a long-term commitment to sustained procurement and industrial investment. If implemented as planned, Bulgaria would join a growing group of NATO members pursuing defense spending levels well above the alliance's traditional 2% benchmark, reflecting the changing security environment across Europe and the increasing focus on defense production capacity.
