Bulgaria asks NATO to deploy assets after Black Sea attacks
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Bulgarian Interior Ministry/Handout via REUTERS
Bulgaria has formally asked NATO to deploy aircraft and
anti-drone systems to strengthen the country’s defenses after a series of drone
attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea, Bulgarian Defense Minister
Dimitar Stoyanov said on Oct. 16, as reported by Reuters.
“We have sent letters and a request to the NATO Secretary
General and the Supreme Allied Commander, urging
them to strengthen our capabilities, which also means deploying additional forces on our territory,”
Stoyanov said.
“We are awaiting their decision.”
He said he plans to meet soon with his counterparts from
Romania and Turkey to discuss coordination and a joint approach to the
situation in the Black Sea.
On Oct. 15, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte met with
Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and Romanian President Nicușor Dan. After the
meetings, Rutte said NATO would “continue to work closely with allies in the
Black Sea, adjusting our deterrence and defense posture as necessary.”
Asked about Bulgaria’s Oct. 16 request, a NATO spokesperson
said the issue would be discussed further next week by ambassadors from the
alliance’s 32 member countries.
On Oct. 6, naval drones attacked two cargo ships in
Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone. The Alfa Watam sank, while a fire broke out
aboard the Able. According to Romania’s Interior Ministry, two people were
killed. Both ships are owned by Turkish companies.
On Oct. 13, Radev said drones had attacked the
Malta-flagged Chelsea, which is registered in Odesa, near Bulgaria’s Black Sea
coast. After the incident, Sofia summoned Russia’s ambassador.
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