MITKO PETEV

 

Vice Admiral Mitko Petev was born on 30 March 1965 in Shumen. In 1984 he graduated from the First Language School in Varna. He continued his education at the Naval Military Academy "N.Y. Vaptsarov" and graduated in 1989 as a Master of Science in "Radiolocation-Navy" (Radio Electronics), and in 1995 - as a Master of Science in "Shipbuilding-Navy". From 1989 to 1998 he held the positions of Group Commander, Senior Assistant Commander and Commander of the frigate "Smelly". 

 

He graduated from the U.S. Naval War College in 1998, the U.S. Joint Forces Staff College in 1999, and the U.S. Command and General Staff College in 2008. From 2000 to 2002, he served as the Exercise Planning Officer for NATO Strategic Command Atlantic. From 2002 to 2006, he served as a staff officer at the Naval Sea Systems Command and Naval Base Varna Headquarters, after which he was appointed Commander of the First Patrol Boat Division. From 2008 to 2011, he served as Deputy Commander for Training of Naval Base-Varna, Chief of Department in the Naval Command and Chief of Staff of the Navy.

 

In 2011 he was promoted to the rank of Commodore and appointed Commander of Naval Base Burgas, and in 2012 Commander of the Combined Naval Base - Navy. 

 

In 2014, he was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral and appointed Commander of the G.S. Rakovski Military Academy, and from 2015 to 2019 he held the position of Commander of the Navy. From 2019 to 2024, he was the military representative of the Chief of Defence to the NATO Military Committee and the EU Military Committee with the rank of Vice Admiral.

 

He is a recipient of the Orders "For Faithful Service Under the Flag", First and Third Class, "For Distinguished Service" - first class, "Chevalier of the Legion of Honour" of the French Republic, "St. Andrew the First-Called" of the BOC, "Gold Medal" of the BCC.

 

He speaks English, German, French and Russian. Married with two children.

 

Appointed advisor to the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces on military security by Presidential Decree No. 161 of 18 June 2024.