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Bulgaria has ramped up protection of its airspace, particularly in the northeast, amid concerns over Russian drone activity, officials confirmed.
Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov said that surveillance is being strengthened, forces are being maneuvered, and resources are being deployed to ensure the security of national airspace. MiG-29 fighter jets are on standby to engage potential threats if necessary, quoted by BTA.
Zapryanov highlighted recent incidents in which drones operating over Ukraine fell into the sea and were later carried to Bulgaria’s northern Burgas shore. He reassured the public that authorities are carefully monitoring the situation and that NATO support further enhances Bulgaria’s defensive capabilities.
The defense minister referenced Poland’s interception of more than 10 drones entering its airspace, aided by Dutch fighter jets, which prompted NATO consultations under Article 4. This led to the launch of Operation Eastern Guard along the alliance’s southeastern flank, underscoring the collective effort to secure the region.
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov stressed that recent Russian drone activity represents provocations designed to gauge NATO readiness rather than offensive operations. He emphasized the importance of protecting civil aviation and noted that Bulgaria is closely monitoring developments over the densely trafficked Black Sea region.
“They are not offensive in nature, but every provocation must be responded to appropriately,” Zhelyazkov said.
Zapryanov also outlined Bulgaria’s plans for military modernization and rearmament. The country will take a loan exceeding €3 billion (3.53 billion) under the EU’s SAFE program to fund nine rearmament projects, with repayment spread over 40 years and a 10-year grace period. Bulgaria aims to allocate 2.36% of its gross domestic product (GDP) to military spending in 2026.
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