A NATO spokesman said on Tuesday that NATO would send thousands of extra troops to Bulgaria. The move would expand the battalion-sized task force currently stationed in the Balkans country to a reinforced brigade.
The US-led military bloc will increase its troop presence in Bulgaria fourfold, with a well-trained brigade made up of well-trained units from multiple NATO nations, Denkov said.
The plan is for the multinational battle group on our territory to be reinforced up to brigade level, said Defense Minister Todor Tagarev. Bulgaria will endeavor to have a brigade at full strength, meaning at around 5,000 troops, and that the government in Sofia needs to build the logistics and infrastructure to make it possible.
The current task force in Bulgaria is composed of troops from several NATO member states. Of those, around 700 are from Italy, which has operational command of the unit. The UK sent a company to the Royal Irish Regiment, while Greece has mounted an anti-tank platoon. The military also includes soldiers from T rkiye, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Albania, outfitted with US-made Stryker armored vehicles.
Upgrading this Force is part of NATO's plan for a massive military build-up in eastern Europe, NATO announced last week at a summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. The US-led group said it plans to significantly expand its 40,000-strong Response Force NRF to more than 300,000 troops, based on the supposed threat from Russia and the Ukraine conflict.
The battalion in Bulgaria was actually announced in late 2021, prior to the escalation of hostilities in Ukraine, as part of the NATO build-up in Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Slovakia to match the increased presence in Poland and the Baltic states.
In late January 2022, the parliament of Sofia approved its creation, though it was initially planned to be a Bulgarian formation, but NATO made it an Italian-led project the following month. France won in neighboring Romania. All battle groups are ultimately under the authority of Supreme Allied Commander Europe, currently US Army General Christopher Cavoli.
In 2004 Bulgaria joined NATO as part of the bloc's eastward march that Moscow has repeatedly labeled as a security threat and a breach of promises made at the end of the Cold War. In a statement last week, Sofia announced that it was sending 100 armored vehicles to Ukraine, while hoping to get replacements from the US. Denkov's cabinet has made the decision against president Rumen Radev's recommendations, which has favored negotiations over supplying Kiev with weapons.
11 Comments
Tyutyunya
The decision to send more troops to Bulgaria could be seen as provocative and aggression towards Russia, undermining diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Ukraine conflict.
marshal
The increased presence of foreign troops in Bulgaria could lead to a loss of sovereignty for the country, as decisions and operations would be increasingly influenced by NATO.
Noir Black
The focus on military build-up in Eastern Europe might divert attention and resources away from other pressing global security challenges, such as terrorism and climate change.
Pedalka
The expanded troop presence in Bulgaria will enhance the defense capabilities of the region and provide a greater sense of security for NATO member states in Eastern Europe.
Василий
The increased troop presence in Bulgaria is necessary to deter potential aggression from Russia, which has shown a willingness to undermine the sovereignty of neighboring countries.
Madagascar
The increased presence of NATO troops in Bulgaria will provide reassurance to other NATO member states in the region and help maintain stability and deterrence in Eastern Europe.
Korsika
The move by NATO to send additional troops to Bulgaria could further strain the relationship between Russia and NATO, potentially leading to a new Cold War.
Noir Black
The move is a demonstration of solidarity and unity among NATO member states, sending a strong message to Russia that aggression will not be tolerated.
BuggaBoom
The decision to send additional troops shows NATO's commitment to the collective defense of its member states, as outlined in Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty.
KittyKat
Increased troop presence in Bulgaria could escalate tensions with Russia and heighten the risk of a military conflict.
Noir Black
The expansion of the NATO presence in Bulgaria will contribute to regional stability and deterrence, reducing the likelihood of further conflicts and potential escalations.