NATO Enhances Readiness in the Eastern Flank: Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey at Highest Alert

The Minister of Defence Acting Atanas Zapryanov emphasized that the readiness of anti-missile defence (AMD) and air defence (AD) systems in NATO's Eastern flank countries is at its highest level. This took place within the framework of the solemn celebration of the 75th anniversary of Third Air Base Graf Ignatiev.

Zapryanov noted that Greece has deployed a "Patriot" battery, which allows coverage of Bulgarian airspace as well. This air policing duty is integrated into NATO's overall AMD and AD system.

The minister added that most of the surface-to-air missile forces are placed at higher readiness levels. Together with Greece, Turkey and Romania, they support this duty.

Atanas Zapryanov recalled that soon in Bulgaria there will be planned exercises, including aviation ones. In this regard, the minister commented on the SAFE instrument of the European Union.

According to Zapryanov, two out of nine projects under the SAFE programme are key for the Air Force (AF). He emphasized that the modern F-16 cannot operate with analogue radar systems and that 3D radars and a new surface-to-air missile system IRIS-T are needed.

Zaprjanov noted that accepting an extended budget and the clause under the SAFE mechanism will allow negotiations to begin with member states for equipment delivery. If this happens, by 2030 the Air Force will have fully new aviation, squadrons and a NATO-compatible radar system in full.

The minister also commented on the renewal of repair work on up to ten engines for MiG-29 aircraft. The public procurement will be restarted as quickly as possible with a new technical specification to maintain airworthiness of the planes until 2028.

Zaprjanov recalled that delivery of the second eight F-16s is delayed, which makes it even more important to maintain the airworthiness of MiG-29.