Bulgaria Requests NATO Support Amid Rising Black Sea Attacks

• •Bulgaria has requested NATO support for air defense and counter-drone systems.
• •Recent drone attacks in the Black Sea have intensified, affecting commercial shipping.
• •A meeting with defense ministers from Bulgaria, Türkiye, and Romania is planned to coordinate responses.

Bulgaria has formally requested NATO for aircraft, air defense systems, and counter-drone equipment due to escalating attacks on vessels in the Black Sea. Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov highlighted the increasing frequency of these attacks, including recent strikes in Romanian waters. The request aims to bolster Bulgaria's military capabilities and demonstrate NATO's presence in the region. Stoyanov noted that while assistance is sought, it remains uncertain what NATO will provide. He emphasized the need for a coordinated response with neighboring NATO members, including Türkiye and Romania. The situation has been exacerbated by drone attacks on commercial shipping, with incidents reported as recent as October 13, where two vessels were struck, leading to one sinking. Bulgaria is currently monitoring its maritime territory with existing reconnaissance systems, and a new system is expected to be operational by year-end.