Bulgaria has requested NATO air support to ensure security in the Black Sea

Bulgaria has asked NATO to provide aircraft, anti-aircraft missile systems, and counter-drone systems to strengthen its defense capabilities in the Black Sea. The country cited the increasing frequency of strikes and attacks in the territorial waters of neighboring Romania as the reason for this request.

This was reported by the BGNES news agency.

At the same time, Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov pointed out that there can be no absolute guarantee of security in the Black Sea, even with allied forces and assets present. According to him, the issue is one of minimizing risks.

“There can be no such thing as 100% security. Both warring sides—Russia and Ukraine—have the latest technology, but drone strikes and ballistic missile attacks continue,” he said.

Stoyanov also noted that the intensity of strikes in the Black Sea is increasing every day, and attacks in Romania’s territorial waters demonstrate the need to modernize the Bulgarian army and build additional defense capabilities. 

“We have requested both aviation and anti-aircraft missile systems, counter-drone systems, and aerial patrols. In other words, we have requested the full range of capabilities,” Stoyanov told reporters. 

He also noted that there is currently no confirmation as to exactly what kind of assistance will be provided. At the same time, he hopes for a swift response and a strengthening of Bulgaria’s capabilities.

The minister also pointed out that Romania and the Baltic states have similar needs. According to him, the attention of European partners is already focused on the Black Sea.

Юлія Калабайда