Bulgaria Requests Full Spectrum of NATO Drone Defense Systems After Black Sea Attacks

Bulgaria has formally requested from NATO the 'full spectrum' of systems needed to counter drone attacks, citing an increasing threat to vessels operating in the Black Sea region.

The Bulgarian government's request follows multiple incidents in which drones struck commercial ships in the Black Sea, including a recent attack on a Romanian-flagged tanker that left seven sailors missing. The situation has raised alarm across all Black Sea NATO member states.

Bulgarian officials stressed that the country needs both detection capabilities and active countermeasures to protect its ports, territorial waters, and vessels. Sofia has pointed to the growing drone threat as a direct consequence of Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine and its willingness to expand attacks into international shipping lanes.

NATO has been working to strengthen allied air and maritime defenses in the Black Sea region. Bulgaria's request signals a growing demand among alliance members for dedicated anti-drone technologies.