CheshnegirovoDrones
At Cheshnegirovo airfield, BOLD ADRA 26 brings together special forces and industry representatives for joint trials of drones and counter-drone systems. The aim is to test not only how individual technologies perform, but also how they work together in an operational environment.
SofiaNaval Warfare
At a commemorative gathering in Sofia, Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov highlighted cyber operations and mechatronics among new specialisations for officer cadets. The focus is on preparing personnel for an increasingly complex technological environment.
BulgariaRussia–Ukraine War
According to BTA, the government has approved a position that Bulgaria’s contribution to the European Peace Facility will not fund purchases of new lethal weapons. Constructive abstention is not a veto on a joint European decision.
Black SeaMilitary Aviation
F-16, MiG-29, Su-25 and L-39 aircraft are carrying out missions over Bulgaria’s territorial sea, while additional surveillance and air defence assets have been deployed on land. The Ministry of Defence has not cited a specific threat as the reason for the increased activity.
VarnaNaval Warfare
In a BTA video report, Rear Admiral Kiril Mihaylov discusses the recovery and destruction of drone debris in Bulgarian maritime waters. This concerns the handling of debris, not the interception of more than 100 operational drones.
BrusselsShipping
The decision follows a North Atlantic Council meeting on Black Sea security. NATO has still not established who is behind the attacks on ships.
VarnaNaval Warfare
In 14 days at sea the ships covered 850 nautical miles. The next activation runs from 6 to 18 November with exercise Poseidon.
SofiaMilitary Aviation
The aircraft is conducting reconnaissance and watching for activity that could pose a risk, Prime Minister Rumen Radev said. The Defence Ministry called it part of heightened vigilance measures.
VarnaNaval Warfare
The ships are free of charge; Bulgaria pays for their refurbishment – up to €42m – and trains Ukrainian crews.
VarnaOSINT
Flight-tracking data show it over the sea east of Varna, partly below 9,000 ft. There is no official information.
Mangalia, RomaniaProcurement
The yard will build two patrol ships and two diving-support ships for the Romanian Navy under SAFE.
Plana, Sofia regionMilitary Infrastructure
The two suspects entered Bulgaria as tourists, stayed for hours and left in a German-plated car.
Black Sea coastDrones
The Ministry of Defence warned that drone flights along the coast may be part of military surveillance.
SofiaMilitary Aviation
The duty fighters were scrambled under NATO air policing.
BucharestNaval Warfare
Bucharest wants both leadership and location to rotate. Sofia has been asked to co-sign a letter to NATO.
SofiaDefence
Minister Stoyanov wrote to Mark Rutte and NATO's top commander. Allied aircraft are expected "soon".
Sulina, RomaniaMilitary Aviation
Both drones were downed over Romanian territorial waters at 18:01 and 18:05 on 17 October.
SofiaDrones
Chief Commissioner Anton Zlatanov describes an Interior Ministry counter-drone layer, separate from the Defence Ministry's programme.
BucharestProcurement
President Dan: "France responded within 24 hours". Which systems and when – not disclosed.
SofiaProcurement
On Air Force Day Minister Stoyanov confirmed a delay to the second batch from the original 2027 target.
BucharestDrones
NATO’s top commander in Europe is in close contact with allies, and Romania is asking the alliance for equipment to protect shipping.
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