site.btaSofia Assured that Greece Will Provide Support in Air Defence

The Bulgarian Defence Ministry said Friday that it has been assured by Greece that it will aid Bulgaria's air defence with equipment and military personnel. Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov discussed the matter with his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias on Thursday. 

Dendias said earlier on Friday, as quoted by the Greek news agency ANA-MPA, that a Greek Patriot air defence system will be deployed in northern Greece to cover a large part of the Bulgarian territory. Additionally, two F-16 fighter jets will reinforce the protection of Bulgaria’s airspace and two Greek Air Force officers will be seconded to Sofia to coordinate with the Bulgarian military command.

The Defence Ministry in Sofia said that the two sides discussed NATO’s announced increase in air defense readiness on the Southeastern flank. In this context, Zapryanov requested support from Greece and received assurances that Greece would provide assistance with air defense assets and military personnel.

The statement also noted that the ministers discussed the situation in the Middle East and the regional risks stemming from the escalation of the military conflict. Both expressed deep concern about the developments in the military operations and emphasized the urgent need to support efforts to achieve peace.

Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias will visit Sofia at the invitation of Atanas Zapryanov, the statement added.