Bulgaria is urging NATO allies to enhance defense measures in the Black Sea region following a series of attacks on commercial vessels, according to Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov. On October 16, Stoyanov highlighted the increasing threat to maritime security and underscored the necessity for regional defense improvements.
The Bulgarian government has reached out to NATO, requesting support in the form of aviation assistance, air-defense missile systems, anti-drone technology, and maritime patrol aircraft. This appeal has been formally presented to NATO Secretary-General and Allied Command, although the specifics of the assistance NATO might provide are yet to be determined.
The call for increased defense capabilities comes after recent incidents where four merchant ships were attacked within Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea, with two additional strikes occurring in Romanian waters. These events have heightened concerns over the safety of commercial shipping routes and overall regional stability.
While the perpetrators behind these attacks remain unidentified, Bulgarian authorities continue to investigate as they gather more evidence. Stoyanov emphasized the importance of modernizing Bulgaria’s armed forces and enhancing cooperation with NATO to protect maritime infrastructure and shipping lanes.
Stoyanov also noted that other regional NATO members, such as Romania and the Baltic states, share the need for bolstered defense capabilities amidst the escalating security threats in the Black Sea area.