Bulgaria has called upon NATO for enhanced defense support in the Black Sea, following a surge in attacks on commercial vessels in the area, according to Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov. The request comes amid heightened concerns over regional security and the safety of maritime infrastructure.
In a formal appeal to NATO Secretary-General and Allied Command, Bulgaria seeks assistance with aviation support, air-defense missile systems, anti-drone technology, and maritime patrol aircraft. While the specifics of NATO’s response remain undetermined, the plea highlights Bulgaria’s urgent need to bolster its defense capabilities in response to recent maritime threats.
Stoyanov emphasized the increasing frequency of strikes in the Black Sea, indicating that four merchant ships have been attacked within Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone in recent days, with additional incidents reported in Romanian waters. These events have underscored the necessity for improved regional security measures and modernization of Bulgaria’s armed forces.
While the identities of those responsible for the attacks remain unidentified, Bulgarian authorities are conducting thorough investigations to gather more evidence. The government is actively pursuing stronger cooperation with NATO allies to safeguard commercial shipping routes and maritime infrastructure.
The defense minister also noted that other NATO members in the region, including Romania and the Baltic states, share similar security concerns and may require additional defense capabilities. These developments reflect a broader regional need for enhanced security collaboration amid growing maritime threats.