Contents
Policies, Strategies, Leadership
CHRONOLOGY OF THE “FIFTEEN DAY WAR”.
140 YEARS OF THE SERBO-BULGARIAN WAR IN 1885
Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Kalin Ranchev, Assist. Prof.
Rakovski National Defence College
Abstract. The article presents a synthesis of the most important events that led to the outbreak of the Serbo-Bulgarian War in 1885. A calendar of events follows the chronology of the war in a concise form, without detailed description. The tracing starts from the announcement of the Unification to the conclusion of the Bucharest Peace Treaty and the demobilization of the Bulgarian army.
Keywords: Serbo-Bulgarian War; Unification; War Calendar
THE CONCEPT OF COMMON EUROPEAN SECURITY AND DEFENCE IN THE CURRENT INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT
Eng. Iulian Toader, PhD Candidate
National Defense University “Carol Iˮ – Bucharest (Romania)
Abstract. The idea of a common European defence and security framework is not new, but in recent years, it has become more than just a political goal, it feels like an urgent necessity, as the EU faces a rapidly changing international environment marked by geopolitical tensions, hybrid threats, and shifting alliances. The analysis in this paper highlights the impact of recent conflicts and the EU’s growing ambition to achieve strategic autonomy while complementing NATO efforts. The issue debated in this paper has the role of enhancing European defence integration and fostering a more resilient and cohesive security policy by using qualitative research.
Keywords: European Union; Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP); international security; European defence policy; NATO – EU cooperation
Research, Analysis, Foresees
ASSESSMENT OF THE RISK OF CARRYING OUT A TERRORIST ACT BY AN INDIVIDUAL TERRORIST DURING MASS EVENTS
Uri Ben Yaakov
International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT)
– Herzliya (Izrael)
Abstract. In the face of escalating individual wolf terrorist threats at mass gatherings, this research proposes a novel, integrative risk assessment framework. By dissecting the interplay between psychological, social, and environmental factors, the study highlights the inadequacies of traditional counterterrorism measures that rely on actuarial, clinical, and structured professional judgment approaches. Through a mixed-methods analysis combining qualitative insights from expert opinions with quantitative data from extensive datasets, the research unveils a predictive framework aimed at enhancing the proactive capabilities of law enforcement. Key findings underscore the critical role of understanding individual actors’ psychological profiles and behavioral tendencies, alongside the identification of situational triggers, to fortify security measures at public events. The study advocates for an adaptive, iterative evaluation process that accommodates the dynamic nature of terrorism, emphasizing the synergy between technological advancements and human expertise in predicting and mitigating potential threats. This research contributes to the counterterrorism discourse by offering a comprehensive framework that addresses the complex dynamics of individual wolf terrorism, ultimately aiming to bolster early detection and rapid response strategies, thus mitigating the risk of attacks on mass gatherings.
Keywords: risk; terrorist act; individual; wolf; mass event; behavior; counterterrorism
ARTILLERY SYSTEMS IN THE CONFLICT BETWEEN RUSSIA AND UKRAINE SINCE THE BEGINNING OF 2022
Dr. Dilyan Markov, Assoc. Prof.
Rakovski National Defence College
Abstract. The use of artillery systems in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is the subject of analysis arising from a number of changes that have come about as a result of confronting the challenges of modern artillery opposition. The presence of post-Soviet models at the beginning of the conflict, the large number of losses of artillery systems on the battlefield, the arrival of NATO sample calibers and the search for directions for effective use for the Ukrainian forces, supported by their allies, point to the development paths of the means of artillery support through the following years. Finding the solutions to a number of issues with changing tactics, fire control and the use of combat supplies, combined with skillful logistical support are the prerequisites for a skillful engagement against the enemy.
Keywords: artillery; artillery systems; ammunition
MILITARY-CIVIL INTEGRATION OF AI IN CHINA
Dr. Iliya Tabakov, Assist. Prof.
Rakovski National Defence College
Abstract. The study examines China’s ambitious progress in artificial intelligence (AI) and its integration into various societal and military sectors. China views AI as a strategic resource for economic growth, national security, and global leadership. The country is making large-scale investments in research, industrial applications, and education while simultaneously developing military technologies. The synergy between civilian and military AI applications strengthens China’s geopolitical position, establishing alternative global standards. The report highlights the risks of other nations’ dependence on Chinese technologies, competition with the U.S., and the need for new AI regulations. The conclusion states that China is on track to become a global leader in AI.
Keywords: artificial intelligence; national security; military-civil integration; China; big data
PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS – A KEY TO DEFENSE MODERNIZATION
LTC Dr. Zhivko Lavchev
Rakovski National Defence College
Abstract. The paper examines public-private partnerships (PPP) as a tool for modernizing the defence industry and evaluates its strategic significance in distributing risk, resources management, and putting creative solutions into practice. The crucial significance of international collaboration, managerial transparency, and adaptive interaction models is emphasized through historical instances in order to successfully handle current issues in the sector.
Keywords: public-private partnership; project management; public resource management; risk management
INTRODUCTION OF IDENTIFICATION CARDS WITH BIOMETRIC DATA AS A HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT TOOL
IN THE SECURITY AND DEFENCE SECTOR
Ltc (OF-4) Dr. Radoslav Chalakov, Assoc. Prof.
Ltc (OF-4) Dr. Andon Andonov, Assist. Prof.
Rakovski National Defence College
Abstract. In the modern world, where cybersecurity and personal data protection are of paramount importance, the introduction of identification cards with biometric data is an innovative step towards increasing the security, efficiency and accuracy of human resource management processes in defense. The technology provides high accuracy and reliability, which makes it suitable for application in the security and defense sector. The article explores the potential of biometric technologies for improving security and efficiency through their integration into human resource management systems in defense. The main advantages of biometric identification cards compared to traditional methods, the challenges facing the implementation of biometric systems in defense, and the best practices for protecting biometric data and preventing their misuse are successively examined. The aim is to present an overview of this innovation and to suggest directions for its implementation, which takes into account both technological capabilities and social and ethical aspects related to the researched issue.
Keywords: human resources management; identification card; biometric data
Theory and Practice
VULNERABILITY MANAGEMENT IN CYBERSECURITY
LTC Dr. Kristina Krumova
Rakovski National Defence College
Abstract. This article focuses on the vulnerabilities of information resources, which are an important aspect in achieving a high level of cybersecurity and a major cause of unauthorized access and security compromise. The essence of vulnerabilities is analyzed and a classification of their types is proposed. Emphasis is placed on the importance of their knowledge and their exploitation by malicious actors in cyberspace. The overall vulnerability management process, its main phases and its importance for the state of cybersecurity of any organization are studied.
Keywords: attack; cybersecurity; unauthorized access; management; vulnerabilities
INTELLIGENT MULTI-DRONE SYSTEMS: ARCHITECTURE, ALGORITHMS, COMMUNICATION, AND REGULATIONS
Major Milena Georgieva, PhD student
Rakovski National Defence College
Abstract. Multi-drone systems – coordinated groups of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) capable of operating together in autonomous or semi-autonomous mode – are proving to be a key innovation in the civil, industrial and military sectors. Their field of application is constantly expanding, from monitoring and searching for targets in hard-to-reach areas, to the realisation of temporary communication coverage in emergency situations and large-scale warfare. This article provides an analytical overview of architectural concepts for building multi-drone systems, presents state-of-the-art algorithms for optimal deployment and coordination, explores communication architectures and data exchange protocols, and discusses the legal and regulatory aspects surrounding the deployment and integration of such systems. By reviewing current literature and citing leading research, it summarizes key scenarios for their application, identifies major challenges, and focuses attention on future trends in the field.
Keywords: intelligent multidrone systems; communication architectures; algorithms; integration
SOME SOURCES OF STRESS, ANXIETY, AND DEPRESSION IN A MILITARY ENVIRONMENT
Lora Leontieva, PhD Student
Rakovski National Defence College
Abstract. This article defines and distinguishes the concepts of stress, anxiety, and depression. It highlights that maladaptive forms of stress lead to the development of anxiety and depression, which impair individual functioning on various levels. Certain individual characteristics that contribute to the development of negative affectivity – such as neuroticism, external locus of control, perfectionism, and dysfunctional coping strategies – are taken into account. Types of workplace stressors are identified. In organizational settings, the impact of stress on the individual and the coping strategies employed differ from those observed in personal and intimate contexts. The specific features of the military as an organizational environment are examined. Findings from empirical studies are highlighted, presenting sources of stress and negative affectivity within military contexts.
Keywords: stress; anxiety; depression; military environment
GUIDELINES FOR AUTHORS
The purpose of these Guidelines is to ensure the highest possible visibility of published texts in scientific databases.
The guidelines have been developed in accordance with the current BDS ISO 690:2021 standard – Guidelines for bibliographic references and citations to information resources.
Voenen Zhurnal scientific journal only considers manuscripts that have not been published, or submitted for publication, in another journal. A submitted manuscript that does not fit the journal’s subject matter, or is not formatted according to the Guidelines, will be rejected without going through the anonymous review process.
The manuscript should contain original ideas and scientific results. Detailed presentation of theoretical statements, concepts or definitions freely available from other sources is discouraged. The journal reserves the right not to publish a manuscript found to have high similarity rate.
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