Japan Self-Defense Forces

Australia detailed its first National Defense Strategy on Wednesday, a document that signals greater regional focus in the face of China's "coercive tactics" and the rising risk of conflict in the Pacific.

Amid growing concerns over security in the wake of the conflict in Ukraine, Bulgaria's Acting Minister of Defense, Atanas Zapryanov, has addressed the issue of conscription, stating that while it is being discussed, no political decision has been reached as of yet.

Defense Chief Admiral Emil Eftimov has urged for a significant increase in defense spending, advocating for a budget allocation of 2.5% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Eftimov stressed that this measure is essential to bridge the gap in defense investments and ensure Bulgaria's security in the face of evolving global and regional challenges.

Japan and the United States are discussing ways to boost military cooperation, Tokyo's top government spokesman said Monday, after reports said U.S. operations in the country could be strengthened to counter China.

Bulgaria is grappling with significant challenges in its defense sector, as revealed in the 2023 Defense Status Report. The report, accepted by the Bulgarian government, underscores the pressing need for legislative measures to address critical shortages and prepare the nation's reserve forces for potential threats.

Japan is expected to discuss cooperating on technology with the AUKUS defense grouping at a summit in Washington next month, according to comments from a high-ranking U.S. diplomat published in Japanese media on Friday.

Defense Minister Todor Tagarev announced the successful dispatch of 100 armored personnel carriers to Ukraine, marking a significant milestone in Bulgaria's support for its Eastern European friend.

However, that would only be the beginning because a public debate will follow, and in the end, the decision must be made by the National Assembly because a change in the law is also necessary.
"We will explain to the president why we believe that the suspension of mandatory military service should be abolished," Minister Milo Vuevi said earlier.

Bulgaria is currently exposed to the threat of ballistic missile attacks and is in critical need of upgrading its air defense capabilities, warns Deputy Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov in an interview with Nova TV. Seeking assistance from the United States, Zapryanov emphasized discussions on acquiring air defense and anti-ship defense systems. While the U.S.

Defense Minister Todor Tagarev announced from the parliamentary rostrum today that almost all of the first eight F-16s ordered by the US are already in production: