The Chief of the Defence (Bulgarian: Началник на отбраната, romanized: Načalnik na Otbranata), until 2009 the Chief of the General Staff (Bulgarian: Началник на Генерален щаб / Načalnik na Generalen Shtab),[1] is the principal head of the Bulgarian Armed Forces.

The chief is appointed by the President of Bulgaria, who is the commander-in-chief.

The position dates back to the Principality of Bulgaria.

The current Chief of the Defence is Admiral Emil Eftimov.