Celebrating 70 Years of AFCEA in Sofia

The chapter devoted its annual conference to the 70th anniversary of AFCEA International. The event, titled "Modernization of Defense and Security Sector: Building Capabilities," was held in December at the Central Military Club in Sofia, Bulgaria. The goal was to assist in identifying the most effective and current solutions for modernizing and building capabilities to meet current risks and challenges. The conference was structured in three panels: "Modernization of Bulgarian Armed Forces"; "Technical Aspects of Protection of National and European Air, Maritime and Land Borders"; and "Information and Cyber Security and Resilience." Deputy Minister of Defense Lt. Gen. Atanas Zaprianov, Land Forces (Ret.); Deputy Chief of Defense Vice Adm. Emil Eftimov, BU N; Deputy Commander of Land Forces Brig. Gen. Michail Popov; Deputy Commander Brig. Gen. Petyo Mirchev, BU AF; and Capt. Ivelin Kraev, BU N, explained modernization policy and programs. Professor Todor Tagarev, director of the Defense Institute in Sofia, explained the technical aspects of this process. Leading defense companies presented their solutions for Bulgarian armed forces, including Textron, Rheinmetall, General Dynamics European Land Systems, SAAB Gripen, Lockheed Martin, Israel Aircraft Industry, Damen, DCNS and Bulgarian companies Dolphin, Bulyard Shipbuilding Industry and IHB ShipDesign. Chapter President Col. Simeon Kralikov, BU A (Ret.), presented the history of AFCEA in Bulgaria. AFCEA "70 Years Award" certificates were given to people who contributed to ideas for AFCEA in Bulgaria.

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