CONTENTS
MODEL FOR MANAGEMENT OF BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT PROCESS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE REPUBLIC
OF BULGARIA
Major Aleksandar Hashamov
Rakovski National Defence College (Bulgaria)
Abstract: The process of building and developing the armed forces of the Republic of Bulgaria is key to ensuring the country’s national and collective defense in the context of NATO and EU membership. The report proposes an exemplary structure of an inter-institutional organization under the Council of Ministers for the implementation of continuous and purposeful activity of the state in guaranteeing the country’s defense policy through the development of the defense capabilities of our armed forces
Keywords: armed forces; process; management; building and developing; capabilities
THE TREATY ON CONVENTIONAL ARMED FORCES IN EUROPE – SIGNING, ADAPTATION AND TERMINATION
Dr. Angel Apostolov
Rakovski National Defence College (Bulgaria)
Abstract: The topic of this scientific article examines the problems that arose before the effective control of conventional armed forces in the decades after the end of the Cold War. The Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) is the keystone for the establishment of mutually acceptable restrictions on this category of armaments. Conceived as a treaty between two monolithic military-political blocs, the CFE has had to be adapted several times since the end of the Cold War and the new security environment that emerged in Europe after the collapse of the Warsaw Treaty Organization (WTO). However, the contradictions between NATO and Russia are the reason why the CFE was not able to reach its full potential. The escalation of the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the deep mutual mistrust between Moscow and the Western partners led to the Russian Federation’s decision to withdraw from the CFE Treaty.
Keywords: CFE; NATO; Russia; WTO; USSR
ASSESSMENT OF THE NATIONAL SECURITY PROTECTION SYSTEM IN THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
Dr. Anelia Atipova, Assist. Prof.
Rakovski National Defence College (Bulgaria)
Abstract: The report presents the results of the expert evaluation of a formal model of the National Security Protection System in the Republic of Bulgaria (NSPS), for the purposes of which a special methodology was created. Using the methods of content analysis, functional analysis and doctrinal (scientific) interpretation of normative acts, the functions and activities of the structures and bodies of the NSPS were analyzed to achieve the strategic goals of the state. Six key normative acts affecting the activities of the leading institutions – Council of Ministers, National Assembly, Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Internal Affairs and two strategic documents were examined. Recommendations have been made to optimize the formal model of the NSPS, with a view to its more efficient functioning.
Keywords: National Security Protection System; institutions; strategy; function
AIRSTRIKE SYSTEM FUNCTIONAL DESIGN AND QUALITY CRITERIA STUDY
Dr. Andon Andonov, Assist. Prof.
Rakovski National Defence College (Bulgaria)
Abstract: The airstrike system as a part of higher-level aviation system is designed to engage positively identified enemy targets. Certain criteria are used for determining the system quality to cause damage to a desired definition. This paper proposes results from airstrike system functional design and quality criteria analysis based on different operational conditions.
Keywords: airstrike; engagement; quality; criteria
WAR IN UKRAINE AND JAPAN-NATO COOPERATION: JAPANESE PERSPECTIVE
Dr. Boryana Miteva, Assist. Prof.
Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” (Bulgaria)
Abstract: During 2023 NATO Vilnius Summit Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that “no other partner is closer to NATO than Japan”. Indeed, Japan and NATO have a long history of interaction. The war in Ukraine significantly changed global security environment. This new challenge had an impact on the relationship between NATO and its Indo-Pacific partners, including Japan. NATO last two summits in Madrid and Vilnius were important not only for the European security, but for Indo- Pacific as well. This study aims to analyze how the war in Ukraine affects Japan-NATO relations, and what is the future of their cooperation and NATO‘s role in the Indo-Pacific region.
Keywords: Japan-NATO Partnership; NATO in Indo- Pacific; NATO-Indo-Pacific Partners; NATO Madrid Summit; NATO Vilnius Summit
STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF A “INFORMATION ACTIVITIES WORKING GROUP”
Prof. Desislava Yosifova, DSc.
Todor Kableshkov University of Transport (Bulgaria)
Abstract: When integrating information operations into the process of operational-level planning in a joint format, the Information Activities Working Group plays a crucial role as part of the joint operations planning group. It has a structure that provides a high level of expertise and creates conditions for precise planning of information activities, both to achieve desired effects during the conduct of the operation and to support the planning process itself. The primary contribution resulting from its activities is the synergistic effect generated by integrating information activities into the planning process, as this enables their execution throughout the course of the operation.
Keywords: information operations; information activities; integration; planning; cognitive effects.
RELEVANCE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CENTER OF GRAVITY CONCEPT IN MODERN PLANNING AND CONDUCT OF NATO OPERATIONS
Major Vaklin Kirilov, Assist. Prof.
Rakovski National Defence College (Bulgaria)
Abstract: This scientific article aims to prove the effectiveness of the Center of Gravity (COG) concept within the framework of the modern NATO planning and conduct of operations, along with the need for its flexible application in the context of the nature of modern armed conflicts and the lessons learned from the history of modern armed conflicts. To achieve the objectives of the study, first of all, the definition and the essence of the concept will be considered. Subsequently, the issues surrounding the practical application of the Center of Gravity concept in a modern operational environment by military commands of NATO member states will be presented, proving the relative effectiveness of a specific methodology for determining the CT. To achieve the goals of the report, the Falklands War of 1982 will be examined through the prism of the concept and the chosen methodology. The credibility and quality of the analysis were achieved by the use of various and authoritative official sources, such as: books of a scientific nature, military doctrines, manuals and scientific reports related to the subject.
Keywords: center of gravity; planning; operations; Falklands war; NATO
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PLANNING SCENARIOS
Georgi Georgiev, Assist. Prof.
Rakovski National Defence College (Bulgaria)
Abstract. The report presents basic requirements for the content of planning scenarios used in the capability-based defense planning process. The sequence of requirements determines the quality of situations in a particular scenario in order to define the required defence capabilities. The planning scenarios, developed in accordance with the presented requirements, prevent duplication of developed capabilities and ensure timeliness in filling identified shortfalls in defence capabilities. In addition, they contribute to make strategic decisions on the armed forces development and effective use of force in crisis and conflict.
Keywords: capability-based defense planning process; requirements for planning scenarios; relevance; comprehensive; realistic; restricted; unique; completion
INFORMATION ASSURANCE OF THE EARLY WARNING AND REPORTING SYSTEM FOR CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL AND NUCLEAR EVENTS
Colonel Dr. Dimitar Nedevski, Assoc. Prof.
Rakovski National Defence College (Bulgaria)
Abstract: The emergence of a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) situation creates risks for the troops, thus arises the need for its clarification, assessment and warning of threatened sites. In addition, available modern information tools and programs can be used to create technology for providing timely and reliable information on the occurrence of CBRN accidents, adversary use of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and early warning of troops. On the other hand, the possibilities for building connections with ministries and agencies that perform tasks of monitoring and warning about CBN contamination for the needs of other users have not been realized. These facts provide the basis for the organization, structure and tasks of the existing system for collecting, evaluating and exchanging data on the CBRN situation – AIS “Preslav”, to be brought into line with the NATO standardization documents in the field of nuclear chemical and biological (NBC) protection. The present report is an attempt to give an answer to the questions arising from these current topics.
Keywords: chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) environment; weapons of mass destruction (WMD); assessment and data exchange of the CBRN situation; early warning
BUILDING AND MAINTAINING BULGARIAN ARMED FORCES LOGISTICS CAPABILITIES THROUGH NATO PROGRAMMES, PROJECTS AND INITIATIVES
Dr. Dimo Ginev, Assist. Prof.
Rakovski National Defence College (Bulgaria)
Abstract: The report examines the importance of logistics capabilities for the operational readiness, sustainability and effectiveness of the armed forces. The benefits of the Republic of Bulgaria’s participation in various NATO projects, programmes and initiatives for the development of the logistic capabilities of the Bulgarian Armed Forces are analysed. Directions for further expansion of this participation are formulated.
Keywords: multinational logistics; logistics capabilities; NATO Support and Procurement Agency; NATO Security Investment Program; interoperability
HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY AND POLEMOLOGY – RELATIONSHIPS IN THE THEORY OF INTERNATIONAL SECURITY
Dr. Ivaylo Ralev, Assoc. Prof.
Rakovski National Defence College (Bulgaria)
Abstract: Fundamental historical-geographical and political-geographical categories and concepts with methodological interrelationships in the description of polemology are presented. Through a propositional-logical connection in historical geography and polemology, the modern significance of the nation-state in the theory of international security is examined.
Keywords: historical geography; political geography; polemology; theory of international security
ABILITIES OR CAPABILITIES – NATURE AND APPLICABILITY
Dr. Kalin Gradev, Assoc. Prof.
Rakovski National Defence College (Bulgaria)
Abstract: Тhe development of this study is induced by the need for determining the meaning of the term capabilities for the military sphere, their essence, as well as the connection with certain elements of their combat power of the formation. The text presents some of the results of the more specific research on the depth of their applicability at all levels of command and control in the Armed Forces.
Keywords: abilities; capabilities; levels of command and control; tactical formation; land forces; armed forces
CONTEMPORARY REGIONAL SECURITY ENVIRONMENT AND MILITARY IMBALANCES IN THE BLACK SEA
Plamen Dyakov
Rakovski National Defence College (Bulgaria)
Abstract: The Black Sea is such a geographical region which due to its strategic location is a source of many military imbalances. The collapse of the Soviet Union and the subsequent confrontation between the Russian Federation and Ukraine which on February 2022 turned into a full-scale war that led to the creation of new military imbalances in the region. After two years of hostilities Russia’s Black Sea Fleet faces multiple challenges that are a mix of geographic, political and military factors which could lead to major changes in the military balance in the region. Turkey is one of the countries that can have a leading role in the new military and political situation in the Black Sea as it has a powerful navy, as well as the fact Ankara is pursuing specific interests of its own, despite its ties to military alliances or other countries. The US Navy does not have direct access to the Black Sea but the US alongside NATO countries can help rearming its allies in the region. Romania is one of those countries and Bucharest has ambitions to become a kind of NATO hub in the Black Sea. It remains to be seen how all of these factors will affect Bulgaria.
Keywords: Military imbalances; Black Sea; Russian Black Sea Fleet; Turkey; Romania
TARGETING AND CULTURAL HERITAGE: THE DESTRUCTION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE DURING CONFLICTS
Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Radoslav Chalakov
Rakovski National Defence College (Bulgaria)
Abstract: Armed conflicts affect many aspects of life. In addition to casualties from military impacts, conflicts often involve damage or destruction of cultural heritage. The significant challenges we face in the XXI century also complicate the protection of cultural heritage during military operations. The increasing use of social media provides instant viewing and propaganda for the destruction of cultural heritage and, in many cases, its irreversible destruction, on the other hand, precision munitions increase the expectation that cultural heritage sites will be spared during conflict. This expectation often leads to increased frustration and disappointment when sites are not protected or become collateral damage. This article examines the role of the targeting process in influencing cultural heritage during conflict.
Keywords: targeting effect; cultural heritage
POLITICAL AND DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN BULGARIA AND NATO IN THE YEARS 1992 – 1994
Hristian Yotov, PhD student
Institute for Historical Studies
Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
Abstract: The main goal of the present study is to show for the first time the nuances of the political-diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and NATO in the context of the difficult first years of the democratic changes in the country. The text is based on a large amount of newly released archives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Central State Archive, thus claiming a high degree of objectivity.
Keywords: Bulgaria; NATO; Diplomatic relations; Partnership for peace
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REFERENCES
GRIGOROV, M., 2021. Antiteroristichni operatsii – ponyatie i spetsifiki pri provezhdaneto im. Voenen zhurnal, vol. 128, no 1, pp. 77 – 86. ISSN 0861-7392 [in Bulgarian].
Such a source is being indicated in the body text as (Grigorov 2021). If necessary to indicate specific page (e.g. p. 80), the indication is as follows: (Grigorov 2021, p. 80).
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LOMAZZI, L.; CADINI, F.; GIGLIO, M. & MANES, A., 2022. Vulnerability
assessment to projectiles: Approach definition and application to helicopter platforms.
Defence Technology, vol. 18, no 9, pp. 1523 – 1537. Available on: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
dt.2021.09.001. [last viewed: 29 October 2022].
Such a source is indicated in the body text as (Lomazzi, Cadini, Giglio & Manes 2022), or as (Lomazzi et al. 2022).
Books
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REFERENCES
NEDYALKOV, D., 2022. 130 godini balgari v nebeto. Kratka istoria na balgarskata voenna aviatsia. Sofia: Prozorets. ISBN 9786192432300. [in Bulgarian].
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Edited books
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REFERENCES
YORDANOV, P., 2022. Izsledvane na riskovete za kibersigurnostta vav vaorazhenite sili na Bulgaria. In: Savremenni aspekti na sigurnostta –predizvikatelstva, podhodi, reshenia, pp. 357 – 366. Sofia: Izdatelstvo G.S. Rakovski. [in Bulgarian].
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