Bulgaria has reached out to NATO for enhanced defense capabilities in the Black Sea region following a spate of attacks on commercial vessels, according to Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov. The call for support, made public on October 16, highlights the escalating security concerns in the area.
The Bulgarian government has formally requested assistance from NATO’s Secretary-General and Allied Command, seeking aviation support, air-defense missile systems, anti-drone technology, and maritime patrol aircraft. However, NATO has yet to make a decision on the specific type and scale of the support it will provide.
Stoyanov emphasized the urgency of reinforcing regional security and modernizing Bulgaria’s military forces due to the increasing frequency of strikes in the Black Sea. Alongside Bulgaria, other NATO members such as Romania and the Baltic states are also seen as needing additional defense measures.
In recent days, Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea has witnessed four merchant ships being targeted. Additionally, two vessels were hit in Romanian territorial waters. These incidents have heightened concerns over the safety of commercial shipping lanes and the broader regional security environment.
While Bulgarian authorities have not yet identified the perpetrators of these attacks, they are continuing their investigations and gathering evidence before assigning responsibility. The government remains focused on enhancing cooperation with NATO allies to better protect maritime infrastructure and secure shipping routes.