Bulgaria’s Potential Involvement in Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Operation: Defense Minister Discusses Plans

Bulgaria’s accession to the operation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden is being discussed. Defense Minister Todor Tagarev announced this to journalists in Karlovo.

As he noted, Bulgaria is one of the countries most affected by what is happening in this region. Although we are not a sea power, we have a direct interest and we will look for a way to contribute to this operation, Tagarev explained.

According to him, this is a big problem for shipping and many countries have joined this operation. It is aimed at ensuring the security of shipping and against these terrorist acts, Tagarev added.

We are ready to participate, the minister also stated. He assured that the Bulgarian sailors are in good condition.

The US announced earlier that it was launching an international operation to protect shipping in the Red Sea. The operation will involve 10 countries – the United States, Great Britain, France, Canada, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Norway, the Seychelles and Bahrain. Some of the countries will jointly patrol the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, while others will assist with intelligence.

The assistant captain of “Rouen” returned to Bulgaria

He was injured, but his condition is stable

Todor Tagarev also commented that the three major modernization projects of the Bulgarian Army are being implemented at different stages.

We are very close to concluding a contract for advanced 3D radars, and in the coming years, anti-missile and anti-aircraft defense systems, construction of new infrastructure, establishment of a divisional headquarters and continuation of investments in Ground Forces will be priorities.

In the future, investments will be made in the development of new solutions, development activities and scientific research, Tagarev explained.

According to him, the current cabinet continued the plan to increase defense spending and for the next year, we plan that slightly more than 2% of the gross domestic product will be directed to it. He added that the budget framework for the coming years is to maintain a level of at least 2%.

In Karlovo, the Minister of Defense participated in a commemorative ceremony on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the attack in Karbala.

2023-12-27 12:38:20
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