Varna Chapter Member Appointed Associate Director of AFCEA
Aug 1st, 2010
In July 2010, Varna Chapter member VADM (Ret) Emil Lyutskanov was selected for appointment to the position of Associate Director on the AFCEA International Board of Directors, for a one- year term.
VADM (Ret) Lyutskanov, who is former First Deputy Chief of the General Staff and Military Representative of Bulgaria to NATO, will be able to attend all Board meetings and provide expertise to the Chairman and the Executive Vice President of AFCEA International.
AFCEA Varna 10th Anniversary: the Bulgarian Fighter Requirement Conference
May 1st, 2010
On 29 April 2010, the Varna Chapter of AFCEA held an International Conference, entitled “Role and Importance of the New Main Type Combat Aircraft for the National and Collective Security”. The conference venue was Park Hotel Sankt Peterburg, Plovdiv.
The conference was organised under the auspices of the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Bulgaria Anyu Angelov. Over 70 senior representatives of the Bulgarian Air Force, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism, and State Commission on Information Security took part in the conference.
Overall, 120 delegates, including 5 foreign flag officers and 20 industry representatives, attended the event. Industry sponsors were SAAB, Diehl BGT Defence, and EADS.
The conference was opened by Captain Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kosta Ivanov (Bulgarian Navy, ret), President of AFCEA Varna. Opening remarks were also delivered by Todor Tagarev, Adviser, Strategic Defence Management, Bulgarian Ministry of Defence, and Maj. Gen. Constantin Popov, Chief, Bulgarian Air Force.
For their part, Brig. Gen. Patrick Wouters, BELAF, Deputy Assistant Director, Plans and Policy Division, NATO International Military Staff, and Brig. Gen. Mark O. Schissler, Director, Plans, Programs and Analyses, Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, delivered keynote addresses.
Daniel Boestad, Director, SAAB International – Bulgaria, opened the first working session of the conference. Brig. Gen. Vassil Dimitrov, BuAF, Chief of Staff, Bulgarian Joint Operational Command, presented on “Missions, Functions and Tasks of the Bulgarian JOC”. The first session continued with a speech by Brig. Gen. Charilaos Lamprou, HAF, Director, International Affairs Directorate, Hellenic Air Force General Staff, who spoke on Greece's initial contribution on NATO’s New Strategic Concept. The session was concluded by Erwin Fischer, Diehl BGT Defence, with a presentation entitled “Winning the Fight with Superior SRAAM: IRIS-T - Interoperable Air Combat Training in Europe: FPR”.
The second session started with a speech by Brig. Gen. Rumen Radev, Deputy Chief, Bulgarian Air Force, who spoke on the contribution to defence capabilities required by the new main type combat aircraft. He was followed by Brig. Gen. Jiří Verner, Deputy Commander of the Joint Forces - Air Force Commander, Czech Republic, who presented experiences from the Czech fighter programme from procurement to operations. The second session was closed by Air Fleet General Alexandru-Petru Găluşcă, Ph.D., Chief of Training and Doctrine, Romanian Air Force Staff, with a presentation on “The New Multi-Role Fighter Program - Romanian Air Force Operational Capabilities Generation Process”.
The third session was opened with a speech by Deiyan Dinev, Bulgarian Air Traffic Services Authority, who spoke about the DANUBE Functional Airspace Block (FAB) project. For his part, Kiril Maznev, Head of Offset Branch, Economic Policy Directorate, Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism, went on with a presentation on the offset as an economic mechanism compensating defence- and security- related expenses and an opportunity for cooperation between companies from the national defence industry and the european defence industrial base. The final session of the conference was closed by Col. Dimitar Nedyalkov, Deputy Dean, Command and Staff Faculty, Bulgarian Defence and Staff College, who presented on “Military Aviation System – Environment and Factor for New Type Bulgarian Main Combat Aircraft”.
The conference was closed by Captain Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kosta Ivanov (Bulgarian Navy, ret), President of AFCEA Varna.
AFCEA Varna 10th Anniversary: Black Sea Security conference held
Apr 6th, 2010
On March 31st and April 1st 2010, the Varna Chapter of AFCEA held an International Conference, entitled “Maritime Security in the Black Sea Region – Strategies and Technologies”. The conference venue was Melia Hotel Grand Hermitage in the Golden Sands Resort near Varna.
The event was organised under the auspices of the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Bulgaria Anyu Angelov. Over 70 senior representatives of the Bulgarian Navy, the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and State Commission on Information Security took part in the conference.
Overall, 140 delegates, including 10 flag officers and 25 industry representatives, attended the event. Industry sponsors and exhibitors were Selex Communications, Thales Netherland, and Raytheon.
The conference opened with a speech by Captain Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kosta Ivanov (Bulgarian Navy, ret), President of AFCEA Varna. Opening address was also delivered by RADM Plamen Manushev, Chief, Bulgarian Navy Staff.
At the beginning of Session I, Milen Lyutskanov, Deputy Minster, Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spoke on the security framework in the Black Sea Region. Further, Vice Admiral Carlos Tortosa, Spanish Navy, Deputy Commander, Allied Maritime Component Command Naples delivered a speech on NATO's Maritime Operations, more specifically Operation Active Endeavor. For his part, RDML Gerard Hueber, Deputy Chief of Staff, US Sixth Fleet, spoke about bolstering regional maritime safety and security. The session was concluded by Jaap Jonker, Business Development Manager, Thales Nederland, with a presentation on streamlining operations at sea.
The conference went on with two keynote speeches, delivered by Kent Schneider, President and CEO, AFCEA International, and Konstantin Zografov, AFCEA International Regional Vice President for the Mediterranean and Black Sea Region.
The afternoon session started with a speech by Capt. Mitko Petev, BuN, Head, Force Training Directorate, Bulgarian Navy Staff, who spoke about the Bulgarian Navy's perspective on the maritime security in the Black Sea Region. Pierluigi Poponi, Senior System Engineer and Massimo Basile, East Europe Sales, Vice President, Selex Communications, presented the Selex Communications approach on various maritime security services. For his part, Capt. Mehmet Orgen, Strategies and Agreements Department Head, Plans and Policy Division, Turkish Naval Forces Command, spoke about Turkey's contribution to the maritime security on the neighbouring seas. The second session was closed by RADM David Shimp, SCNM(Ret), President Emeritus, Black Sea Council, Navy League of the US.
The second day of the conference started with a keynote speech of Bulgarian Minister of Defence Anyu Angelov, followed by 30 minutes of Q&A.
The third session was opened with a speech by Capt. Walter Martina, Italian Navy Representative in the Bulgarian Navy Staff, entitled “An Interagency Approach to Maritime Surveillance” For his part, Anthony Ponsford, Engineering Fellow, Raytheon, looked into the issue of effective maritime domain awareness of the Black Sea Based in real-time persistent surveillance using high frequency surface wave radar. Petar Kirov, Deputy Executive Director, Executive Agency “Maritime Administration”, Bulgaria, discussed the roles and responsibilities of the Bulgarian Maritime Administration. The final session of the conference was closed by Lt Cdr Kostadin Kostadinov, Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, Bulgaria, who presented the “Network Centric Approach in Radar Surveillance Systems - Advantages and Feasibility”.
The conference was closed by Captain Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kosta Ivanov (Bulgarian Navy, ret), President of AFCEA Varna.
News Archive AFCEA Varna Held a Conference on Air Forces in South-Eastern Europe
Oct 6th, 2009
On October 6th the Varna Chapter of AFCEA held an international conference on “South-East European Forces – Current Status and Ways ahead” in Sankt Peterburg Park Hotel in Plovdiv.
Corporate sponsors of the event were SAAB (Silver Sponsor), Diehl BGT Defence (Bronze Sponsor) and EADS Defence and Security (Bronze Sponsor).
The conference brought together more than 120 participants, with the attendee profile including senior officials from the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence, Defence Staff, Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism, National Assembly and Air Traffic Services Authority; senior officers from the Bulgarian Air Force and from air forces from South-Eastern Europe; NATO structures; industry.
The conference was opened by the President of AFCEA Varna, Captain Assoc. Prof. PhD (BuN ret), Kosta Ivanov. The official opening panel also included Dimitar Chukarski, Chairman of the National Assembly Foreign Policy, Security and Defence Committee; Anyu Angelov, Bulgarian Deputy Minister of Defence; Gen. Simeon Simeonov, Bulgarian Chief of Defense; Lt. Gen. Lee McFann, Commander of NATO CC Air Izmir and Maj. Gen. Constantin Popov, Chief of the Bulgarian Air Force. A keynote speech was delivered by the Security Policy Director at the Bulgarian MoD, Brig. Gen. Stefan Yanev.
The first working session, on developing modern air forces, was opened and moderated by Maj. Gen. Constantin Popov who informed the attendees on the perspectives for the development of the Bulgarian Air Force. Further in the session Maj. Radoslav Matula from the Czech Air Force shared the Czech Air Force experience in international NATO missions. The Director of the Offset Programmes directorate of the Bulgarian Ministry of Economy and Energy, Maj. Gen. (ret.) Kiril Maznev, talked on “Offset and the Implementation of Offset Programmes for the Protection of the National Security and the Economic Interests of Bulgaria”.
The second session, on capabilities, was opened by Deputy Director for Communications in USAFE HQ, Col. Mark Langenderfer. The Director of Communication in Navigation and Information Systems directorate in the Bulgarian Air Force HQ, Col. Lyubomir Panchev, discussed the development of the network capabilities of the Bulgarian Air Force’s CINS. The Session was closed by the Air Defence Senior Analyst in NATO HQ, Guy Cherruel, who presented on “NATO Analytical Air Defence Cell Capability”.
The third and final session, on policies, opened with a speech by the Assistant Director in NATO Joint Air Power Competence Center, Air Commodore Johan van Hoof, who discussed the issue of how to share niche capabilities. The General Manager of NATO Airlift Management Agency, Gunnar Borch, talked about the Strategic Airlift Capability Initiative. The Deputy Director General for Operations in the Bulgarian Air Traffic Services Authority, Angel Rachev, spoke about the civil-military co-ordination in Bulgaria. The session was closed by the Business Manager in DSA N&N/South Europe, Marco Bartolozzi, with a presentation of NC3A Comprehensive C4ISR Approach to NNEC and Implications for SEE Countries.
AFCEA Varna holds International Conference & Exhibition on Maritime Security in the Black Sea Region
Apr 6th, 2009
On 1 and 2 April 2009, the Varna Chapter of AFCEA held an International Conference & Exhibition, entitled "Maritime Security in the Black Sea Region - Requirements and Capabilities". The conference venue was Melia Hotel Grand Hermitage in the Golden Sands Resort near Varna.
The conference was organised with the full support of the Bulgarian Navy Staff. Over 80 senior representatives of the Bulgarian Navy, the Bulgarian General Staff, and the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Economy and Energy and State Commission on Information Security took part in the conference.
Overall, 160 delegates, including eight flag officers and 33 industry representatives, attended the event. Industry sponsors and exhibitors were Thales Netherland, Astruim Services and Paradigm Secure Communications (UK), and Diehl BGT Defence (Germany).
The conference opened with a speech by Captain Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kosta Ivanov (Bulgarian Navy, ret), President of AFCEA Varna. Opening addresses were also delivered by Cdre Robert Howell, RN (Ret.), General Manager, AFCEA Europe; RADM Simeon Tsekov, Deputy Commander of the Bulgarian Navy;, Capt. Valentin Gagashev, J-5 Director, Bulgarian General Staff; and Albert Willemsen of Thales Nederland. A key note speech was delivered by Bulgarian Deputy Minister of Defence Spas Panchev.
Capt. Severino Marrocco, Italian Military Representative in the Romanian Joint Defence Staff, opened the first working session of the conference with a speech on the Italian Navy's Requirements and Achievements in the process of building a modern seapower. Luc Cahier, Thales Nederland, presented solutions for the future of Mine Warfare. For his part, RADM David K. Shimp, SCNM (Ret), President of the Black Sea Council of the Navy League of the US, discussed the role of NGOs in supporting the navies and maritime industries.
The afternoon session on Day 1 started with a speech by Capt. Mircea Balascuta, Deputy Chief of Resources, Romanian Naval Forces Staff, who spoke about the Romanian Naval Forces modernisation initiatives. For his part, Capt. Rumen Radev from the Bulgarian General Staff presented ideas for strengthening the Black Sea security cooperation. Stephen Evans, International Business Development Manager, Paradigm Secure Communications, presented “Critical Developments in Military Satcoms Capability”. The session was closed by Ivan Zherkov, Director of the Offset Programmes directorate of the Bulgarian Ministry of Economy and Energy, who discussed the maritime security issues in the context of offset programmes.
The first working session on Day 2 was opened by Capt. Abdülhamit Şener, Branch Head Strategy and Policy, Plans and Policy Division, Turkish Naval Forces Command, who spoke about the contribution of the Turkish Navy to maritime security. For his part, Capt. Ivelin Kaloyanov, BuN, Chief of Operations, Bulgarian Navy Staff, presented the participation of the Bulgarian Navy in naval operations. Otto Jakob, Project Manager Missiles Division Land & Sea, Diehl BGT Defence, presented on “RBS15MK3 - Anti-Ship Missile with Land Attack Capability for the Black Sea Navies”. The session was closed by a presentation delivered by Velizar Shalamanov from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, entitled. “Military Support to Civilian Authorities: Maritime Security Requirements and Capabilities”.
RADM (UH) Ante Urlic, Commander, Croatian Navy, opened the final session of the conference by presenting “Littoral Aspects of Maritime Security”. Capt. Mitko Petev, BuN, Deputy Commander of Varna Naval Base, spoke about “The Bottom-Up Approach of the Bulgarian Navy to the Interagency Cooperation in the Maritime Domain”. He was followed by Georgios Vourekas, and Zdravko Kolev from Frontex, who presented the Frontex Maritime Operation Activities.
The conference was closed by VADM Minko Kavaldzhiev, Commander-in-Chief of the Bulgarian Navy, and Captain Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kosta Ivanov (Bulgarian Navy, ret), President of AFCEA Varna.
AFCEA Varna holds International Conference & Exhibition on the Bulgarian and Romanian Navies
Jun 28th, 2008
On 26 June 2008, AFCEA Chapter Varna and EURISC Foundation of Romania jointly hosted a naval event, entitled “NATO and EU’s Role in the Black Sea Region –
Building Naval Synergies”, which was held at the Melia Grand Hermitage Hotel in Golden Sands resort, near Varna.
The strategic importance of the Black Sea region, common Navy-related challenges stemming from Bulgaria’s and Romania’s EU and NATO membership, as well as the two navies’ modernisation plans and programmes, are all issues which this conference discussed.
Over 120 delegates from 9 countries were in attendance. Industry sponsors of the event were EADS Astruim and Paradigm, Thales Nederland, Diehl BGT Defence and MarineSoft. Among the conference delegates were leaders from U.S. NAVEUR Region Group U.S. CNE-C6F Staff, the Italian Navy, the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence, General Staff and Navy Staff, the Romanian Naval Forces Staff, the Navy League of the U.S., defence diplomats from USA, UK, and Italy. Over sixty of the most senior Bulgarian and Romanian Navy officers and unit commanders also attended the event.
The conference opened with a speech by Captain Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kosta Ivanov, BuN (ret), President of AFCEA Varna. Opening addresses were delivered by RADM Simeon Tsekov, Deputy Commander of the Bulgarian Navy, and RADM Niculae Valsan, Deputy Chief of the Romanian Naval Forces Staff for Training and Doctrine.
Capt. Georgi Fidanov, Deputy Chief of the Bulgarian Navy Staff for Training, opened the first working session of the conference with a speech on the Bulgarian contribution to the maritime security in the Black Sea region. RADM Niculae Valsan further presented the role of the Romanian Naval Forces in the Black Sea security domain. Capt. Severino Marrocco, Representative of the Italian Chief of the Navy, delivered a speech on shaping the Italian surface fleet for effective future maritime operations. Further in this first session, Capt. John E. Cameron, USCG (ret), discussed issues related to port security risk management from 9/11 to present, while Brig. Gen. (ret) Dr. Ing. Septimiu Caceu of EURISC Foundation – to energy critical infrastructures protection.
The afternoon session started with a keynote address by H.E. Spas Panchev, Deputy Minister of Defence of the Republic of Bulgaria. Jaap Jonker, Business Development Manager, Thales Nederland, offered a view on synergies in Black Sea naval developments. The commander of Bulgaria’s Coastal Surveillance Unit, CDR Nedko Dimitrov, delivered a briefing on the coastal surveillance system and shipping control in Bulgarian maritime spaces. A joint presentation by David Adams (Paradigm Secure Communications), Andy Wilkins (Astrium Services) and CDR Andy Vandome, RN (UK MOD), offered a UK perspective to military SATCOM for naval forces within NATO nations. A presentation by LT. CDR Eugen Domunco from the Romanian Naval Forces Staff on the future plans and programmes of the Romanian Naval Forces closed the second conference session.
AFCEA Varna holds International Conference & Exhibition on the Bulgarian Air Force
Oct 5th, 2007
On 2 and 3 October 2007, the Varna Chapter of AFCEA held its 10th International Conference & Exhibition, entitled "Transformation, modernisation and building expeditionary capabilities of the Bulgarian Air Force" at Park Hotel Sankt Peterburg in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
The conference was organised with the full support of the Bulgarian Air Force staff with over 50 senior Air Force officers and commanders in attendance. A total of 115 delegates from 11 countries took part in the event. Industry sponsors were SAAB (Sweden), the Hornet Industry Team (USA), and the F-16 Team of Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney (USA). Among the exhibitors at the event were also EADS Defence & Security, PPG Aerospace and Agility.
The conference opened with a speech by Captain Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kosta Ivanov (Bulgarian Navy, ret), President of AFCEA Varna. Opening addresses were delivered by VADM Emil Lyutskanov, BuN, First Deputy Chief of Bulgarian General Staff, and Lt. Gen. Simeon Simeonov, Bu AF, Commander of the Bulgarian Air Force.
Lt. Gen. Jo Godderij, Director, NATO International Military Staff, opened the first working session of the conference with a speech on the new missions, tasks and challenges for NATO Air Forces from the perspective of current NATO operations and NATO Response Force. Lt. Gen. Simeon Simeonov, Bu AF, Commander of the Bulgarian Air Force delivered a keynote speech on the transformation, modernisation and building expeditionary capabilities of the Bulgarian Air Force.
The afternoon session, moderated by Col. Petar Mollov of the Planning and Development Directorate at the Bulgarian Air Force Staff, started with a speech by Lt. Gen. Laurentiu Maftei (ret), Air Defence Counselor to the Chief of the Romanian Air Force, who spoke about the transformation and modernisation of the Romanian Air Force. Dr. Velizar Shalamanov of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences delivered a speech on capabilities-oriented, scenario-based and operational concept driven air forces planning, and the role of the operational analysis. Rick McCrary of the Boeing Company spoke about the challenges of operating in an expeditionary environment and the design for evolving requirements of modern air power. Dennys Plessas of Lockheed Martin spoke on behalf of the F-16 Team (Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney) about the unique value of the F-16 fighter within NATO and its potential for transformation and modernisation of the Bulgarian Air Force. The conference closed with a presentation by Lt. Col. Ken Lindberg of the Swedish Air Force who elaborated on the Gripen fighter in the Swedish Air Force and in international operations.
AFCEA Varna holds International Conference & Exhibition on the Bulgarian Navy
Apr 26th, 2007
On 24 and 25 April 2007, the Varna Chapter of AFCEA held its 9th International Conference & Exhibition, entitled "The Bulgarian Navy Transformation – New Missions and New Technologies", at the Kempinski Hotel Grand Hermitage, Golden Sands Resort (near Varna).
The conference was organised with the full support of the Bulgarian Navy Staff. Over 90 senior naval officers and commanders from the Bulgarian Navy Staff, Varna Naval Base, Bourgas Naval Base, the Naval Academy, the Bulgarian General Staff and Ministry of Defence, participated in the conference. The Romanian, Turkish and Italian Navies also participated in the event with delegations lead by flag officers.
A total of 140 delegates from 12 countries took part in the event. Industry sponsors and exhibitors were Atlas Elektronik (Germany), Thales (France), Northrop Grumman (USA), Paradigm Secure Communications and Astrium (UK), Armaris (France), Luerssen Werft (Germany).
The conference opened with a speech by Captain Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kosta Ivanov (Bulgarian Navy, ret), President of AFCEA Varna. Opening addresses were delivered by Rear Admiral Simeon Tsekov, Deputy Commander of the Bulgarian Navy and on behalf of H.E. Simeon Nikolov, Bulgarian Deputy Minister of Defence, and Vice Admiral Emil Lyutskanov, BuN, First Deputy Chief of Bulgarian General Staff.
Rear Admiral Simeon Tsekov, BuN, Deputy Commander of the Bulgarian Navy, opened the first working session of the conference with a speech on the new security challenges and naval cooperation in the Black Sea with a particular emphasis on the Bulgarian Navy transformation in the context of increasing importance of security and stability of the Black Sea Region. Rear Admiral Deniz Kutluk, TuN, Assistant Director, Cooperation & Regional Security, NATO International Military Staff, spoke about NATO after Riga and the Black Sea Region. Helmut Damke, Atlas Elektronik, presented company solutions for tactical information exchange.
The afternoon session on Day 1 started with a speech by Rear Admiral Dorin Danila, Chief of Romanian Naval Forces Staff, who elaborated on the Romanian Naval Forces addressing the new challenges to security and cooperation in the Black Sea Region. Capt. Fatih Erbas, Turkish Naval Forces, presented Turkey’s view on cooperation in the Black Sea. Stuart Angus, Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine, spoke about the company’s global presence in maritime surveillance systems. Paul Dadak, EADS Astrium and David Adams, Paradigm Secure Communications, closed Day 1 with a discussion on naval satellite communications.
The keynote speaker during the third and final session of the second day of the conference was Rear Admiral Rinaldo Veri, Director General Navy Planning Department, Italian Navy, who spoke about transformation in the Italian Navy in the C4ISR arena, with particular reference to the creation of an Integrated Maritime Surveillance System. Capt. Rumen Radev, BuN, of the J-5 Directorate at the Bulgarian General Staff delivered a speech on Bulgaria’s view on Black Sea security challenges. Capt. Alexander Kolarov, BuN, spoke about the status of the project of the Bulgarian Navy coastal surveillance system for control of shipping and maritime border security. Frederic Bareyre of THALES delivered a speech on MILSATCOM as the cornerstone of Network Enabled Capabilities.
AFCEA Varna holds international conference on the Bulgarian Air Force
Mar 16th, 2006
On 14-15 March 2006, the Varna Chapter of AFCEA held its 7th International Conference, entitled "The Bulgarian Air Force - Challenges and Prospects" at Park Hotel Sankt Peterburg, Plovdiv.
The main themes of the conference were organising air forces for future operations; the new missions, roles, and required operational capabilities of the Bulgarian Air Force; modernisation plans and programmes of the Bulgarian Air Force; technologies for advanced air, air defence, and space capabilities.
Over 120 delegates from 11 countries participated in the conference. Industry sponsors of the event were Alenia Aeronautica (Italy), Aermacchi (Italy), The Hornet Industry Team (USA) and Bell Helicopter Textron (USA). Among the conference delegates were senior leaders from AFCEA International, NATO International Military Staff, senior Air Force officers from NATO countries, the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence, Bulgarian General Staff, Bulgarian Main Air Force Staff, the Office of the President of Bulgaria, defence diplomats from USA, UK, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic. Over fifty of the most senior Bulgarian Air Force officers and commanders participated in the conference.
The conference opened with a speech by Captain Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kosta Ivanov Bu N (ret), President of AFCEA Varna. Opening addresses were delivered by Rear Admiral Peter Stranchevski, BuN (ret), National Defence Secretary to the President of Bulgaria, and former President of AFCEA Varna; Konstantin Zografov, Regional Vice President Black Sea and Mediterranean Region, AFCEA International; Maj. Gen. Simeon Simeonov, Chief of Bulgarian Air Force Main Staff
Maj. Gen. Simeon Simeonov, Chief of Bulgarian Air Force Main Staff, opened the first working session of the conference with a keynote speech on the vision for the development of the Bulgarian Air Force. Air Vice Marshall H. Gavin MacKay, RAF, Senior Military Advisor to the Head of the Defence Export Services Organisation, spoke about the future challenges to the Bulgarian Air Force from a Royal Air Force perspective. Air Commodore Henk Emmens, Deputy Assistant Director, Plans & Policy Division, NATO International Military Staff gave a NATO perspective within the main themes of the conference.
The afternoon session on Day 1 started with a speech by Dr. Velizar Shalamanov, former Bulgarian deputy minister of defence, entitled “2020 AF Mission Capabilities Packages Operational Analysis”. Massimiliano Marchisio from the Italian company Alenia Aeronautica spoke about the capabilities of the C-27J “Spartan” plane, recently acquired by the Bulgarian Air Force. After the afternoon session of Day 1, conference delegates visited the Museum of Bulgarian Aviation near Plovdiv.
The keynote speaker during the morning session of the second day of the conference was Maj. Gen. Simeon Simeonov, Chief of Bulgarian Air Force Main Staff, who presented the Air Force’s vision for its modernisation and interoperability with NATO Armed Forces. Col. Nikolai Yankov, Director of the Armaments Policy and Equipment Directorate at the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence, spoke about current issues related to the modernisation of the Bulgarian Air Force and Bulgaria’s offset policy. Commander Andrew Hartigan, USN, International Programs Director, PMA-265, US Naval Air Systems Command, delivered a speech on sustaining a modern tactical Air Force. Dr. Raffaele Esposito, Chairman of NATO Industrial Advisory Group, discussed the role of NIAG in NATO and the Bulgarian contribution in NIAG. Industry sponsors of the event Bell Helicopter Textron and Aermacchi presented their solutions in support of the modernisation of the Bulgarian Air Force.
AFCEA Varna holds international conference on the Bulgarian Navy
Sep 26th, 2005
On 14 and 15 September 2005, the Varna Chapter of the AFCEA held its 6th International Conference, entitled “The Bulgarian Navy – Transformation and Modernisation in the Context of Black Sea Security”, at the Palace Hotel in Sunny Day resort, near Varna.
The conference discussed the new security challenges and naval cooperation in the Black Sea area; the transformation, the new missions, roles and required operational capabilities of the Bulgarian Navy, as well as the modernisation plans and programmes of the Bulgarian Navy.
Over 130 delegates from 12 countries participated in the conference. Industry sponsors of the event were Fr. Luerssen Werft and Blohm+Voss (Germany), Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine (USA), Armaris (France), Thales Nederland BV (The Netherlands), Atlas Elektronik (Germany), and Kongsberg (Norway). Among the conference delegates were senior leaders from AFCEA International, NATO HQ, the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence, General Staff, and Main Navy Staff, the Office of the President of Bulgaria, defence diplomats from USA, UK, and Netherlands. Over fifty of the most senior Bulgarian Navy officers and unit commanders also attended the event.
The conference opened with a speech by Captain Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kosta Ivanov, BuN (ret), President of AFCEA Varna. Opening addresses were delivered by Rear Admiral Peter Strantchevski, BuN (ret), National Defence Secretary to the President of Bulgaria and former President of AFCEA Varna; Rear Admiral Minko Kavaldzhiev, BuN, Chief of Bulgarian Main Navy Staff; Brig. Admiral Nikolai Nikolov, BuN, Chief of J-5, Bulgarian General Staff.
Rear Admiral Minko Kavaldzhiev, BuN, Chief of Bulgarian Main Navy Staff, opened the first working session of the conference with a keynote speech on the transformation and modernisation of the Bulgarian Navy in the context of Black Sea security. Rear Admiral Deniz Kutluk, Assistant Director, Cooperation & Regional Security, NATO International Military Staff, presented NATO’s vision for the wider Black Sea area. Wolfgang Barenberg, Maritime Forces Analyst at NATO International Military Staff, discussed the maritime dimension of NATO’s transformation process.
The afternoon session on Day 1 started with a briefing by Yordan Bozhilov, Director of International Cooperation at the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence, who spoke about the security challenges and naval cooperation in the Black Sea area. Eberhard Mueller von-der Bank, President of AFCEA Bonn and Regional VP Central European Region of AFCEA International, spoke about the mission, objectives, and importance of AFCEA in Europe. A joint presentation by Horst Witschel of Fr. Luerssen Werft and Friedrich-Wilhelm von Krosigk of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems discussed the design and construction of a multipurpose corvette Class 130 for the German Navy. David Beck of Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine spoke about Bulgarian maritime border surveillance and control issues.
The keynote speaker during the morning session of the second day of the conference was Capt. Dimiter Ispirski, BuN, Head of Planning & Development at the Bulgarian Main Navy Staff, who presented the Navy’s vision on the plans and programmes for its modernisation and rearmament. Jaap Jonker of Thales Nederland B.V., spoke about maritime security and Bulgarian Navy transformation and modernisation. Capt. (retd) Michel Perchoc, French Navy, delivered a presentation on the French Navy transformation and ARMARIS solutions. Helmut Damke of Atlas Elektronik (Germany) spoke about integration of naval vessel and coastal surveillance systems for national maritime security.
The afternoon session on Day 2 started with a speech by Dr. Velizar Shalamanov from the Centre of Operational Analyses at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and former Bulgarian Deputy Defence Minister, who discussed the role of CAX in concept development and experimentation in support of navy transformation. Stuart Angus of Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine spoke about the company’s global presence in maritime and surveillance systems. The session concluded with a speech by Capt. Kiril Mishev, Head of Division “Blue Border” at the Bulgarian Border Police, who discussed the missions and roles of this service.
All the presentations were followed by lively discussions and searching questions. All in all, the conference furthered Bulgarian officials’ understanding of international experience and foreign firms’ detailed knowledge of specifically Bulgarian conditions and problems, thus contributing to the implementation of the vital task of modernising the Bulgarian Navy.
AFCEA Varna holds international conference on the Bulgarian Land Forces
Apr 29th, 2005
On 27 and 28 April 2005, AFCEA Chapter Varna held its 5th International Conference "The Bulgarian Land Forces – New Missions, Tasks and Required Operational Capabilities" at Park Hotel Sankt Peterburg in Plovdiv.
The conference discussed the new missions, roles, and required operational capabilities of the Bulgarian Land Forces in the context of national and collective security; modernisation plans and challenges for the Bulgarian Land Forces; participation in multinational joint operations and multinational formations; joint training with Allied Forces on Bulgarian territory and joint use of Bulgarian military infrastructure by Allied Forces.
Over 110 delegates from 12 countries participated in the conference. Industry sponsors of the event were Northrop Grumman (USA), Finmeccanica (Italy) and Thales (France). Among the conference delegates were senior leaders from the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence, General Staff, Main Land Forces Staff, Office of the President of Bulgaria, NATO Headquarters, US Army Europe, defence diplomats from USA, UK, and Italy. 60 of the most senior Bulgarian Land Forces commanders and officers attended the event.
The conference opened with a speech by Captain Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kosta Ivanov Bu N (ret), President of AFCEA Varna. Opening remarks were delivered by RADM Peter Strantchevski, BuN (ret), National Defence Secretary to the President of Bulgaria, and former President of AFCEA Varna; Lt. Gen. Atanas Zapryanov, Deputy Chief of Bulgarian General Staff; Lt. Gen. Zlatan Stoikov, Chief of Bulgarian Land Forces Main Staff.
Lt. Gen. Zlatan Stoikov opened the first working session of the conference with a keynote speech on the new missions, tasks and required operational capabilities of the Bulgarian Land Forces in the context of national and collective security. Lt. Gen. Ciro Cocozza, Chief of Staff, Allied Joint Force Command Headquarters Naples, presented the operational activities of JFC Naples and Bulgaria’s contribution to these activities.
The afternoon session on Day 1, moderated by Br. Gen. Atanas Samandov, Commander of the Operational Forces Command, started with a speech by Maj. Gen. Ivan Fenton (CAAR), Assistant Director Operational Division, International Military Staff, NATO HQ, on the challenges and successes of NATO operations. Maj. Gen. Georges D'Hollander, Director NATO HQ C3 Staff, spoke about the importance of network enabled capability to NATO. Industry sponsors of the event Northrop Grumman and Fimeccanica presented their capabilities to support the modernisation agenda of the Bulgarian Land Forces.
Keynote speaker during the morning session of the second day of the conference, also moderated by Brig. Gen. Samandov, was Brig. Gen. Daniel Keefe, Chief of Staff, U.S. Army V Corps, who spoke about combined and joint task force operations. Yordan Bozhilov, Director of the International Cooperation Directorate at the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence, discussed the new security environment in the Western Balkans and the wider Black Sea region. Phillip Shaw, EUS Associates Ltd, presented an onlooker’s view on managing expectations in Bulgaria’s defence modernisation process and in the expected re-location of US bases on the territory of the country. Dean Danielson, Northrop Grumman, presented the National Military Command Centre programme, implemented by the company in Bulgaria.
The afternoon session on Day 2 was moderated by Captain Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kosta Ivanov Bu N (ret), President of AFCEA Varna. It started with a speech by Col. Ivailo Savov, Chief of the Planning and Development Directorate of the Bulgarian Land Forces Main Staff, who presented the Land Forces’ vision for their development and modernisation until 2015. Brig. Gen. Dimiter Dimitrov, Commander of the Bulgarian Special Operations Forces Command, described the roles and tasks of the Bulgarian Special Operations Forces in missions abroad. Industry sponsors of the event Marconi Selenia and Thales presented their solutions for modernisation of the communication-information systems of the Land Forces.
AFCEA Varna receives Albert J. Myer Award
Apr 8th, 2005
For a third consecutive year, in April 2005 Chapter Varna received AFCEA's Albert J. Myer Award for Individual Membership recruiting. This award, named in honour of General Albert J. Myer, one of the founding fathers of AFCEA, recognises one chapter which excels in achievements and total membership growth. The Award will be presented to AFCEA Varna during TechNet International 2005, 17-19 May, in Washington D.C., USA.
US Naval Attache joins AFCEA Varna
Feb 4th, 2005
AFCEA Varna is pleased to welcome its new individual member Commander Mark S. Patrick, USN, the Naval Attache at the US Embassy in Sofia.
The Chapter is pleased to have among its individual members defence diplomats from USA, UK and the Netherlands.
AFCEA Varna co-organises round table on aviation issues
Feb 1st, 2005
AFCEA Varna, in cooperation with the Bulgarian Airlines Association and the Institute of Air Transport, organised a round-table meeting on “Bulgaria – the best strategic partner in the aviation field in Central and Eastern Europe”, held on 1 February at the Sheraton Hotel in Sofia. Among the participants were Krasimira Martinova, Bulgarian Deputy Minister of Transport; Maj. Gen. Mladen Kazakov, Deputy Chief of the Bulgarian Main Air Force Staff; Col. Nikolai Yankov, Director of the Armaments Policy and Equipment Directorate at the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence; senior officials from the Ministries of Transport, Economy and Defence; the CEOs of all major Bulgarian airlines and heads of civil aviation agencies; senior officers from the Bulgarian General Staff and Main Air Force Staff. During the meeting, opportunities for strategic partnership between Bulgaria’s civil and military aviation were presented and discussed with a delegation from the Boeing Company (USA), lead by Ambassador Greg Johnston, Senior Vice President Europe, The Boeing Company.
Global Consulting Ltd joins AFCEA Varna
Jan 14th, 2005
AFCEA Varna welcomes its new corporate member Global Consulting Ltd, Sofia.
Global Consulting Ltd is a leading Bulgarian company specialised in the design, marketing, procurement, installation and support of information systems and advanced solutions for banks, insurance companies, governmental agencies and other commercial enterprises with high volume distribution activities.
AFCEA contacts for the company are Mr. Dimiter Dzhendov, Managing Director, and Mr. Plamen Kamenov, Director Military Programmes.
AFCEA Varna Holds International Conference on the Bulgarian Air Force
Nov 1st, 2004
On 13 and 14 October 2004, the Varna Chapter of AFCEA held its 4th International Conference, entitled "The Bulgarian Air Force - Missions and Tasks in the Context of National and Collective Security", at the Park Hotel Sankt Peterburg in Plovdiv.
The conference, held under the auspices of the Minister of Defence of Bulgaria, was part of the official celebrations of the Bulgarian Aviation Day. It discussed the new missions, roles, and required operational capabilities of the Bulgarian Air Force; the organisational challenges of network-centric warfare; technologies for advanced air, air defence, and air-space capabilities; and modernisation plans and challenges for the Bulgarian Air Force.
Over 120 delegates from 13 countries participated in the conference. Industry sponsors of the event were Pilatus Aircraft (Switzerland), Finmeccanica (Italy), The Hornet Industry Team (USA), Gripen International (Sweden/UK), SAAB (Sweden), Israel Aircraft Industries (Israel) and BAE Systems (UK). Among the conference delegates were senior leaders from AFCEA International, the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence, General Staff, and Main Air Force Staff, the Office of the President of Bulgaria, the Bulgarian Parliament, the US European Command, the US Navy, and defence diplomats from USA, UK, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Poland and the Czech Republic. Forty of the most senior Bulgarian Air Force officers also attended the event.
The conference opened with a speech by Captain Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kosta Ivanov (Bulgarian Navy, ret), President of AFCEA Varna. Opening addresses were delivered by Gen. Miho Mihov, Advisor to the President of Bulgaria and former Chief of General Staff; Lt. Gen. Atanas Zapryanov, Deputy Chief of General Staff, and Lt. Gen. Dimiter Georgiev, Chief of Air Force Main Staff.
Lt. Gen. John Dubia, USA (ret), Executive Vice President of AFCEA International, opened the first working session of the conference with a speech on technology and training in coalition warfare. Lt. Gen. Dimiter Georgiev, Chief of Air Force Main Staff, delivered a keynote presentation on the missions and tasks of the Bulgarian Air Force in the context of national and collective security. Louisa Pavlova from the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence presented an expert view on the legal requirements for the implementation of modernisation projects in the Bulgarian Armed Forces.
The afternoon session on Day 1 started with a speech by Svetoslav Shumanov from the MoD’s Armaments and Equipment Policy Directorate, who described the mechanism for implementation of the projects for the modernisation of the Bulgarian Armed Forces, with a particular emphasis on the priority projects for the Air Force. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vladimir Velichkov of the Rakovski Defence and Staff College presented an academic perspective on the principles of development of the Bulgarian Air Force. Sascha Bihrenbrodt, Regional Sales Director of Pilatus Aircraft, spoke about the company’s Integrated Training Systems. Michael Lenton, Vice President Product Policy at Finmeccanica, presented the Italian company’s “Total Air Capability”.
The keynote speaker during the morning session of the second day of the conference was Maj. Gen. Jonathan Gration, USAF, Director of Plans and Policy Directorate (ECJ5), US European Command. Col. Kolimechkov of the Bulgarian General Staff discussed the directions for the modernisation of the Bulgarian Armed Forces. Lt. Col. Axel Nilsson, Swedish Armed Forces HQ, spoke about the modernisation of the Swedish Air Force to meet Sweden's changed defence mission. Theodore Herman, Business Development Manager, Boeing, delivered a presentation on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.
The afternoon session on Day 2 started with a speech by Lt. Gen. Dimiter Georgiev, Chief of Air Force Main Staff, who presented the vision for the development and modernisation of the Bulgarian Air Force during the next decade. Dr. Velizar Shalamanov and Dr. Stoyan Avramov, both of the Space Research Institute, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, delivered a presentation on IFF and recognised common operation picture as a key element of the network-centric warfare concept for the Air Force. Brig. Gen. (ret) Ami Eliasaf, Israel Aircraft Industries spoke, about the company’s advanced avionic, training, radar and UAV systems, based on Israeli combat experience. Mats Olofsson, Marketing Director, SAAB SA, presented the company’s helicopter modification and upgrade competence. Hans Brunner, Product Manager Government Aviation at Pilatus Aircraft, discussed corporate solutions for border security and surveillance.
AFCEA Varna hosted 3rd International Conference on the Bulgarian Navy
Jun 9th, 2004
On 7 and 8 June 2004, AFCEA Varna held its 3rd International Conference on ?Challenges for Bulgaria?s Navy and Maritime Sovereignty? at the Imperial Hotel near Varna, Bulgaria.
The conference, organised under the auspices of the Bulgarian Minister of Defence and with the full support of the Bulgarian Navy command, discussed the new missions and roles of the Bulgarian Navy, its required operational capabilities, the Navy?s modernisation and procurement priorities, and the challenges involved in the establishment of a maritime surveillance system for Bulgaria.
The conference was attended by 96 delegates from 14 countries. Industry sponsors of the event were Armaris (France), Luerssen Werft (Germany), ThyssenKrupp Werften (Germany), Thales Nederland BV (Netherlands), Thales Airborne Systems (United Kingdom), Atlas Elektronik (Germany), Raytheon (USA), Aeromaritime (Germany) and Eurotorp (Italy/France). Representatives of a total of 18 leading Western defence companies participated in the event, among them Lockheed Martin (USA), Royal Schelde (Netherlands), Rolls-Royce Naval Marine (UK), and Israel Aircraft Industries (Israel). Among the conference participants were senior officials from the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence, the General Staff, the Office of the President of Bulgaria and the Main Naval Staff, as well as defence diplomats from the USA, the UK and the Netherlands.
The event started with opening remarks by Assoc. Prof. Captain (retd) Kosta Ivanov PhD, the President of AFCEA Varna, Rear Admiral (retd) Peter Strantchevski, National Defence Advisor to the President of Bulgaria and former President of AFCEA Varna, Vice Admiral Peter Petrov, First Deputy Chief of the Bulgarian General Staff, Rear Admiral Minko Kavaldzhiev, Chief of the Bulgarian Main Navy Staff, Assoc. Professor Boris Kornovski, Deputy Mayor of Varna, and Konstantin Zografov, Regional Vice President for the Mediterranean and Black Sea Region, AFCEA International.
Keynote speakers during the working sessions of the event were Rear Admiral Minko Kavaldzhiev, Chief of the Bulgarian Main Navy Staff, who spoke about the challenges for Bulgaria?s Navy and maritime sovereignty in the light of the country?s accession to NATO and of the recently concluded Strategic Defence Review; Konstantin Zografov, Regional Vice President for the Mediterranean and Black Sea Region, AFCEA International, who outlined the role of AFCEA in the NATO enlargement and transformation process; Vladimir Grigorov, Head of the Armaments Development Department at the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence, who spoke about the modernisation challenges facing the Bulgarian Armed Forces and discussed the recently passed Government decision to allocate BGN 1.5 billion in the period mid-2004 ? 2005 for the start of 11 priority modernisation projects; Dimana Dermendzhieva from the Legal Directorate at the Bulgarian MoD, who described the legal requirements and procedures in the implementation of modernisation projects in the Bulgarian Armed Forces; and Captain Dimiter Ispirski, Head of the Planning and Development Department at the Bulgarian Main Navy Staff, who presented the Bulgarian Navy?s vision on the establishment of a National Integrated Maritime Control and Information System.
Innovative solutions and capabilities to support the project for Bulgaria?s naval shipbuilding programme and modernisation of the existing fleet were presented and exhibited by the industry sponsors of the conference Luerssen Werft, Thales Nederland, Armaris, Thales Airborne Systems, Atlas Elektronik, Eurotorp, ThyssenKrupp Werften, Aeromaritime and Raytheon.
The organisers were much encouraged?though not at all surprised?by the high level of attendance at the conference. The fact that so many senior executives from foreign defence industry companies, and so many senior figures from the Bulgarian Armed Forces and Ministry of Defence, chose to participate is in itself a hopeful sign for the naval modernisation process. Where interest is so great, implementation will surely be feasible.
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:
General Sponsors
Sponsors
British Defence Attache joins AFCEA Varna
Jun 3rd, 2004
AFCEA Varna welcomes its new individual member Col. John Saville, recently appointed British Defence Attache in Sofia.
AFCEA Varna delegation receives Chapter awards in Washington D.C.
May 18th, 2004
A delegation of AFCEA Varna led by Chapter President Captain Ass. Prof. PhD Kosta Ivanov Bu N (ret) visited Washington D.C. (USA) in May to take part in AFCEA?s TechNet International 2004.
At a special awards ceremony, Vice Admiral Herb Browne, USN (Ret.), President and CEO of AFCEA International, and Major General Eugene Renzi, U.S. Army (Ret.), Chairman of the Board of Directors of AFCEA International, presented Chapter Varna President with the Albert J. Myer Award for Total Individual Membership Growth and the Albert J. Myer Award for Special Achievement.
AFCEA Varna member nominated for Bulgarian Army representative in NATO
May 14th, 2004
Rear Admiral Emil Liutskanov, so far Chief of Bulgarian Main Naval Staff, has been nominated to assume, as of the beginning of 2005, the position of Bulgarian Army Representative at Bulgaria's Delegation to NATO in Brussels.
Chapter Varna receives AFCEA's Special Recognition Award
Apr 8th, 2004
For a second consecutive year, in April 2004 Chapter Varna received AFCEA's Albert J. Myer Special Recognition Award. This award, named in honour of General Albert J. Myer, one of the founding fathers of AFCEA, recognises one chapter which excels in achievements and total membership growth. The Award will be presented to AFCEA Varna during TechNet International 2004, 11-13 May, in Washington D.C., USA.
Defence industry players signing up for AFCEA Chapter Varna's conference on the Bulgarian Navy
Apr 5th, 2004
The big players of the West's defence industry are gathering for a third year at a conference organised by AFCEA Chapter Varna to demonstrate their interest in the modernisation of the Bulgarian Navy.
As at the beginning of April, a number of leading defence companies have signed up to participate at the 3rd International Conference "Challenges for Bulgaria's Navy and Maritime Sovereignty". Among them are Armaris, Blohm+Voss, Luerssen Werft, Royal Schelde, Atlas Elektronik, Thales Nederland, Thales Airborne Systems UK, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Eurotorp, Aeromaritime, Rolls-Royce Naval Marine and many others.
Dutch DA joins AFCEA Varna
Mar 2nd, 2004
AFCEA Varna is pleased to welcome its new individual member, Commander Sjoered J.Hoekstra Bonnema, the Defence Attache at the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Bucharest, Romania, who joined Chapter Varna on 2 March 2004. Based in Bucharest, Commander Bonnema's area of responsibility includes also Bulgaria.
In this, he joins CDR Chris McDonald, Naval Attache at the US Embassy in Sofia, and Lt Cdr Mark Warlow, Deputy DA at the British Embassy in Sofia, who became members of AFCEA Varna in 2002.
Chapter Varna Board Member Receives AFCEA's DYA 2003 Award
Jan 4th, 2004
Manol Yanchev, Secretary-Treasurer of AFCEA Chapter Varna, was selected as 2003 Distinguished Young AFCEAN (DYA) and the Regional DYA for the Mediterranean & Black Sea region. The award ceremony will take place during WEST 2004 in San Diego, USA, 3 - 5 February 2004.
AFCEA Varna Hosts Second International Conference on the Bulgarian Navy
Oct 1st, 2003
The Bulgarian Navy's new priorities and missions, its modernisation, and other issues related to Bulgaria's NATO accession were discussed in detail at the AFCEA Varna Chapter's second international conference, "The Bulgarian Navy - New Missions, Roles and Capabilities", held on 29-30 September at the Imperial Hotel near Varna.
The conference was organised under the auspices of the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Bulgaria Nikolai Svinarov. The event featured speeches by representatives of Government, nongovernmental organisations and industry leaders; panel discussions by seasoned professionals; and exhibits by defence companies offering naval equipment. Industry sponsors of the conference were Thales Nederland (The Netherlands), Fr. Luerssen Werft (Germany), Atlas Electronik (Germany), Aeromaritime Systembau (Germany), Armaris (France), Eurotorp (France / Italy), Mauser Oerlikon (Switzerland).
For more information on the event, please visit the Conferences Archive section of the web site.
Chapter Varna 1st Vice President Elected Director of AFCEA International
May 20th, 2003
AFCEA Chapter Varna is pleased to announce that as of May 2003, Nikolai Bozhilov, founding member and 1st Vice President of the Chapter, was elected Director-at-Large of AFCEA International. With this appointment, Nikolai Bozhilov becomes also member of the AFCEA Board of Directors, the governing body of the Association, and member of the European Advisory Council.
Annual Meeting of Chapter Varna Held
May 12th, 2003
On 12 May 2003, AFCEA Chapter Varna held its Annual Meeting, which voted a new Board of the Chapter as follows: Captain Ass. Prof. PhD Kosta Ivanov Bu N (ret) ? re-elected President Mr Nikolai Bozhilov ? re-elected 1st Vice President Capt. Dimiter Ispirski, BuN ? newly elected Vice President Mr Svetoslav Stanulov - newly elected Vice President Mr Manol Yanchev ? re-elected Secretary-Treasurer Due to the increased professional responsibilities associated with his new position as Chief of Bulgaria's Main Naval Staff, RADM Emil Lyutzkanov, a founding member of Chapter Varna, stepped down as Vice President. He was replaced by Capt. Dimiter Ispirski, BuN, a founding member of Chapter Varna and Chief of the Planning and Development Directorate at the Main Naval Staff. The other new member of the Board is Mr Svetoslav Stanulov, General Manager of the Institute of Air Transport, a founding corporate member of Chapter Varna. Mr Stanulov is also Chairman of the Bulgarian Airlines Association and former Bulgarian Deputy Minister of Transport in the period 1995 - 1997.
Vice President of AFCEA Varna becomes Bulgarian Naval Commander
May 6th, 2003
As of the beginning of May 2003, Brigadier Admiral Emil Lyutzkanov, so far Deputy Chief of Bulgarian Main Naval Staff (MNS) for Operations, is promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral and Chief of Bulgarian MNS. He succeeds on this position the retiring Chief of MNS RADM Neiko Atanasov. RADM Emil Lyutzkanov is Vice President of AFCEA Chapter Varna and one of its founding members. AFCEA Varna wishes him best of luck and lots of success in his new position!
Former Deputy Defence Minister Joins AFCEA Varna
Apr 10th, 2003
Velizar Shalamanov, former Deputy Defence Minister for Defence Planning and Policy, joined AFCEA Chapter Varna. Currently, Mr Shalamanov is Chairman of the George C. Marshall Association, an NGO active in the fields of foreign policy, security and defence. Velizar Shalamanov is a life member of AFCEA and a 1994 Distinguished Young AFCEAn.
AFCEA Chapter Varna to Hold Annual Meeting in May
Apr 4th, 2003
AFCEA Chapter Varna will be holding its Annual Meeting at the Naval Academy in Varna on 12 May 2003, 17:00 hrs. The agenda of the meeting will be as follows: 1. Report on the activities in 2002. 2. Election of new officers. 3. Miscellaneous.
AFCEA Chapter Varna Receives AFCEA's Special Recognition Award
Mar 18th, 2003
In March 2003, Chapter Varna was awarded AFCEA's Albert J. Myer Special Recognition Award. This award, named in honour of General Albert J. Myer, one of the founding fathers of AFCEA, recognises chapters which excel in membership recruiting and retention. The Myer Awards are presented each June at TechNet International in Washington D.C., USA.
Varna Chapter Member Appointed Associate Director of AFCEA
In July 2010, Varna Chapter member VADM (Ret) Emil Lyutskanov was selected for appointment to the position of an Associate Director on the AFCEA International Board of Directors, for a one-year term.
VADM (Ret) Lyutskanov is former First Deputy Chief of the General Staff and Military Representative of Bulgaria to NATO. As an Associate Director, he will be able to attend all meetings of the Board and provide expertise to the Chairman and the Executive Vice President of AFCEA.
