site.btaDefence Minister: Iran’s Note Is Not Direct Military Threat to Bulgaria

“We do not view Iran’s note as a direct military threat to our country,” said caretaker Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov on Bulgarian National Radio (BNR). He was referring to a document sent by Iran to Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry regarding US tanker aircraft at Vasil Levski Airport.

ForeignMinistry has addressed this issue. Iran’s note falls within the context of normal diplomatic practice and communication, Zapryanov noted. “We maintain normal bilateral relations with Iran, and a regular political dialogue is ongoing,” he added.

Minister Zapryanov explained that at the start of aircraft deployment on Bulgaria’s territory, at the request of the Iranian side, Bulgaria informed Iran about the nature of this deployment.

“There is no change, no new requests from the US regarding the deployment of the aircraft and their use,” he stated.

“We are in a situation of forward deployment of aircraft on our territory in relation to the Eastern flank of the Alliance. As the foreign minister has already noted, no combat aircraft are flying over our airspace, there is no refueling of such aircraft, and no overflights of this kind have been requested over our territory,” said Minister Zapryanov.

“Some European countries have refused direct overflights of aircraft involved in operations and combat activities in Iran. No such requests have been made to Bulgaria, so we adhere to what we have agreed and do not participate in any way in this war between the US, Israel, and Iran. NATO is also not involved,” the caretaker minister added.

He explained that Bulgaria is conducting planned activities and exercises within NATO. “More than a week ago, there were live-fire exercises on our territory, aircraft from allied countries flew in, and then returned to their bases,” the minister added.

“Our goal is to reduce the workload at the airports in Sofia. Especially since flight intensity will increase after April 15, as the number of flights rises,” said Atanas Zapryanov, noting that discussions are ongoing in this regard. “We also understand the concerns of the Bulgarian public about the presence of combat aircraft at our national airport, so we are looking for a solution and hope to find a positive one,” the Defence Minister commented.

“We are integrated into NATO’s unified air defence system,” he said regarding the protection of the country’s airspace. “The security of Bulgaria’s defence is guaranteed within NATO’s collective defence,” Zapryanov responded to a question on whether it would be better for Bulgaria to have a more autonomous army. “Any militarization of our country would negatively affect spending on economic development and social needs,” he added. According to him, within the framework of coalition defence, Bulgaria fulfills its constitutional duties using minimal national resources.

“NATO is the guarantor that allows us to have air and missile defence in these complex conditions of unpredictable risks,” said the Defense Minister. “I agree that NATO is facing a very serious challenge in light of statements by the US leadership about leaving the Alliance, but I believe that member states, including Bulgaria, are free to express their positions on an equal footing within the Alliance,” commented Minister Zapryanov. He also said that he is optimistic that the difficult moments in the US administration’s relations with NATO will be overcome.