Bulgaria has called on NATO allies for enhanced defense support in the Black Sea region amid a rise in attacks on commercial vessels, Bulgarian Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov announced on October 16. The appeal aims to bolster Bulgaria’s military capabilities with aviation support, air-defense missile systems, anti-drone technology, and maritime patrol aircraft.
The request has been formally submitted to NATO’s Secretary-General and Allied Command, though specific details regarding the type and scale of assistance have yet to be decided. Stoyanov underscored the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the need to improve regional security and modernize Bulgaria’s armed forces due to the escalating intensity of strikes in the Black Sea.
In recent days, four merchant ships have reportedly been hit within Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone, while two others were attacked in Romanian territorial waters. These incidents have heightened concerns over the safety of commercial shipping and the broader security environment in the region.
Bulgaria has not yet assigned blame for the attacks, with authorities indicating that further evidence is necessary before making any attributions. The government continues to evaluate these incidents as it seeks stronger collaboration with NATO allies to safeguard maritime infrastructure and shipping lanes.
Stoyanov also highlighted that other NATO members, including Romania and the Baltic states, are in need of additional defense capabilities. This collective need underscores the importance of a coordinated effort to enhance security measures in the Black Sea and surrounding regions.