Defence minister Dimitar Stoyanov says it is still not clear what NATO will provide to protect Bulgarian skies. Talks with the alliance are continuing, he told reporters in Sofia on Military Parachutist Day.
Bulgaria has sent NATO two letters, at the end of August and on 13 October. They ask for air surveillance, air patrols and surface-to-air missile systems, as many as the allies can provide. Admiral Efimov is in touch with Gen. Grynkewich.
"I hope that this week we will have a final view and an answer to the question of what can be provided to strengthen Bulgaria," Stoyanov said.
Bulgarian fighter jets and surface-to-air missile systems now guard the airspace. The minister said the missile systems are somewhat dated. Asked whether aircraft from a NATO country could operate over Bulgarian territory, he said that if needed, they would do the job well.
Romanian forces shot down three drones yesterday and today. "If there is such activity in our airspace, we are ready to act," Stoyanov added.