Bulgaria has mobilized the entirety of the armed forces’ capabilities to secure the Black Sea region amid escalating regional threats, Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov announced. The military has significantly reinforced its eastern radar coverage, integrating kinetic strike options with fighter and reconnaissance aviation from both the Air Force and the Navy, according to Nova.bg.
Black Sea Air Defense Mobilization and Radar Limitations
Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov stated during a military demonstration at the Cheshnegirovo air base that the armed forces have established a reliable situational picture to ensure prompt decision-making, Nova.bg reported. Stoyanov acknowledged that the origin of the drones that recently struck the commercial ship “Chelsy 3” remains unconfirmed, prompting Bulgaria to apply for participation in a NATO initiative focused on countering low-flying aerial threats.
Complementing the national defense measures, Air Force Commander Major General Nikolay Rusev told Bulgarian National Television (BNT) that enhanced patrolling over the Black Sea serves as a necessary preventive measure and will continue for as long as required, Focus-News.net reported. Rusev noted that the military currently utilizes radar systems that are over 30 years old. While these vintage radars are maintained in good operational condition, their coverage presents clear limitations regarding low-flying objects, leading the armed forces to supplement local data with intelligence provided by allies and neighboring states, according to Segabg.com.
Bulgaria Acquires Radar Systems to Modernize Defense
Chief of Defense Admiral Emil Eftimov emphasized that all defensive actions are calibrated carefully within both national and coalition frameworks to prevent regional escalation, Nova.bg reported.
Addressing ongoing military modernization, Air Force Commander Major General Rusev confirmed that Bulgaria has already signed a contract to acquire modern radar systems, with the first delivery anticipated within approximately 18 months, Segabg.com reported. Concurrently, the Ministry of Defense is preparing legislative changes to the Defense and Armed Forces Act, while the Ministry of Transport is drafting complementary regulations to streamline decision-making authority, as noted by Nova.bg.
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