Bulgaria asks NATO for fighter jets, missile defense systems and anti-drone equipment to defend the Black Sea

Bulgaria has asked NATO to deploy fighter jets, patrol aircraft, missile defense systems and anti-drone equipment on its territory to strengthen defenses against attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea. The request was announced Friday in Sofia by Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoianov during ceremonies marking Air Force Day.

The request was submitted to NATO’s secretary general and supreme allied commander, but Bulgaria had not yet received a response regarding the concrete support the Alliance could provide. Stoianov said the allies have limited resources, citing the additional needs of Romania and the Baltic states.

The Bulgarian minister said the recent attacks had prompted NATO to pay increased attention to Black Sea security. He warned that strengthening capabilities cannot completely eliminate the risk, but can only reduce it.

Bulgaria already has two systems for detecting and monitoring threats in its waters and is preparing to install a third. The request comes after drone attacks on seven commercial vessels off the coasts of Romania and Bulgaria since October 5.