Bulgaria to Equip All Army Units with Drone Control Simulators by Mid-December

Jerusalem, 6 November, 2025 (TPS-IL) -- Stara Zagora (BTA) – By mid-December this year, all military formations in Bulgaria will have drone control simulators. This was told to journalists by the Commander of the Land Forces, Major General Deyan Deshkov, at the “Lyulyak” training ground near Stara Zagora.

He specified that the drones have been purchased and are currently being distributed to locations. “The distribution to the formations and the start of operation are pending,” Deshkov said.

The Commander of the Land Forces added that deliveries of various types of drones for reconnaissance and surveillance are continuing. “Procedures are also underway for the purchase of FPV drones and the so-called wandering or kamikaze drones, which are for longer distances,” he added. According to him, the goal is for the new systems, which will have training elements in them, to be mastered by the army personnel, “because experience shows us that acquisition is only 10 percent of the entire process. Delivery and mastering by the personnel is the basis. Until you master a tool, it cannot do its job,” said Deshkov.

Regarding the rearmament of the Bulgarian army, he stated that the procedure conducted by the Ministry of Defense for the selection of new equipment – a pistol – has already been completed and a framework agreement has been signed for the purchase of a Springfield Armory pistol for the Land Forces. “Several thousand pieces will be purchased,” Deshkov specified, adding that the funding for this is expected to be included in the budget for next year.

“We already have ammunition for this gun in our warehouses for several years to come. For this reason, preparations can begin immediately upon its receipt,” said Major General Deshkov. He added that the Ministry of Defense is starting a procedure to select a sniper kit that contains not only the rifle, but everything needed for a team of snipers.