Dimitar Stoyanov: Bulgarian Army mobilized for Black Sea security
Everything possible in every aspect that the Bulgarian army has is mobilized for the security of the Black Sea region, Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov announced. Stoyanov reported that authorities have reinforced the radar field in the eastern direction, both with means for kinetic impact and through fighter-reconnaissance aviation of the Air Force and Navy to ensure a reliable picture for situational awareness and to make adequate decisions if necessary.
Military Mobilization Across the Black Sea
Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov outlined the defensive posture during a high-level guest day at the multinational experimental exercise BOLD ADRA – 26, hosted at the Cheshnegirovo airport. Measures are being taken in both national and coalition scale, with NATO responding on the basis of exchanged information and analysis, measured, without escalating the situation, according to Chief of Defense Admiral Emil Eftimov.
Stoyanov confirmed authorities have yet to establish the origin of the drones that struck the ship Chelsea 3. The defense minister noted that it is yet to be established whether the remains on board the Chelsea 3 are from a drone, from the ship, or from something else.
Admiral Eftimov emphasized that there is no anti-drone system that can solve all problems related to unmanned aerial vehicles on its own, and a complex of measures for detection, recognition, tracking, analysis, and choice of appropriate impact is necessary.
Bulgarian Air Force Uses 30 Year Old Radars
Air Force Commander Major General Nikolay Rusev acknowledged that the Bulgarian Air Force uses radars over 30 years old for the detection of aircraft over the Black Sea. Rusev stated during an interview on BNT that while these systems are maintained in good condition, their ability to detect low-flying drones and jet unmanned vehicles of the Geran type depends on the altitude of the target.
Rusev assured that the armed forces possess sufficient aircraft and pilots to sustain the patrols for as long as necessary. The aircraft that can be used for combat and participate in the protection of the airspace and for impact if necessary include MiG-29, F-16, Su-25, and L-39, operating in coordination with the Land Forces, Navy, and Special Forces.
To address existing sensor limitations, Bulgaria has a signed contract for the acquisition of new radars, with the first system expected to be delivered within about 18 months. Work is also underway on the acquisition of new surface-to-air missile complexes.
Regulatory Hurdles for Unmanned Aerial Systems
Beyond hardware constraints, military leadership highlighted the need for changes in the regulatory framework governing the use of drones. Stoyanov noted that changes are planned in the Defense and Armed Forces Act, and the Ministry of Transport has prepared an ordinance in this regard.
The legal framework must adapt so that it will be necessary to delegate rights to commanders at lower levels because of the rapid processes with drones.
The Persistent Threat Environment
Patrolling operations over the Black Sea are a preventive measure due to the situation in the war to the north of Bulgaria and will continue as long as necessary. Rusev maintained that the reinforced patrolling will continue as long as necessary to protect the airspace and sea.
While the state prepares legislative amendments and awaits the delivery of modern radar hardware, defense officials face questions regarding the identification of targets.