Bulgaria's army has mobilised everything it has to guard the Black Sea region, defence minister Dimitar Stoyanov told reporters at Cheshnegirovo airfield. He was attending the VIP Day of the multinational experimental exercise BOLD ADRA – 26.
Earlier today the defence ministry said special forces from more than 15 countries, along with defence industry firms, would show their skills at the airfield. Participants showed drones for reconnaissance, for striking targets and for jamming. Stoyanov called the exercise very useful.
Earlier on this story: Special forces from more than 15 countries to show skills at Cheshnegirovo airfield
"The most important thing is that we have strengthened radar coverage in the east," the minister said. The army has added kinetic weapons and fighter and reconnaissance aircraft from the air force and navy. Stoyanov said this gives the military a reliable picture of the situation and lets it make sound decisions when needed.
The laws on drones must change, Stoyanov said. Changes are planned to the Law on Defence and the Armed Forces, and the transport ministry has already drafted a regulation. Drones call for fast decisions, he explained, so the power to decide how to use them will have to pass to lower-level commanders.
Chief of defence Admiral Emil Eftimov said steps are being taken at national and allied level. "NATO is responding on the basis of shared information and analysis, in a measured way, without escalating the situation," he said.
Eftimov said Turkey will be the lead country in NATO's maritime command in the Black Sea, which is being set up and is at an advanced stage. The command is meant to give a real-time picture, bring forces together, analyse information and act in case of a possible threat.