site.btaBulgarian Navy on High Alert Every Day for Maritime Drones and Mines

The Bulgarian Navy is on a high state of readiness every day to monitor, detect and respond to maritime drones, floating mines or dangerous devices in Bulgarian waters, said the Navy Commander, Rear Admiral Kiril Mihaylov, speaking on Saturday ahead of a ceremonial meeting and concert marking the 147th anniversary of the establishment of the Bulgarian Navy.

Mihaylov said that a Navy team joined the response to the unmanned aerial vehicle that fell near Kardam earlier in the day.

"The Navy needs additional equipment. We are working hard to acquire it and are expanding our capabilities," Mihaylov added. According to him, in this regard the Bulgarian Navy has the support of the Ministry of Defence and is carrying out its tasks using the various resources at its disposal.

The Navy is receiving two new ships, and the crew is continuing the acceptance process for the first one, said the Chief of Defence, Admiral Emil Eftimov. He stressed that the vessels are domestically produced, which is the best possible option because it allows Bulgarian companies to build up expertise that can be transformed into future capabilities tailored to the specific characteristics of the Black Sea.

According to Eftimov, work is already under way on both unmanned and manned systems so that Bulgaria can maintain adequate capabilities in the maritime domain.

The Chief of Defence added that he was impressed by the crew of the ship Hrabri, as the sailors have been placed in a challenging environment. "Many systems, many sensors, a need for integration, but the people are learning, and that is the most valuable thing," the admiral stressed.

The Chief of Defence noted that the Bulgarian Navy is also due to receive seven minehunters. "Work on this project has been under way for several years. All the international documents have now been signed, and by the end of the year the Navy may begin receiving the vessels," he said.

According to him, although the minehunters are second-hand, they have been modernized and fully meet the needs of the Bulgarian Navy. He added that the Navy is also receiving a coastal anti-ship missile system, which he described as another significant step towards strengthening the country's defence capabilities.