# Bulgarian defense infrastructure and maritime security > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bulgarian-defense-infrastructure-security-measures > Updated: 2026-10-23T09:20:46.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 6. Bulgaria has taken steps to bolster its domestic aerial defense and protect critical infrastructure following security concerns. Initially, Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov announced that Bulgaria would decline participation in NATO’s €40 billion counter-drone initiative due to budget constraints, opting instead for a multi-layered defense network through the European Union intended to be operational by 2027. Following a security review, Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev deployed advanced anti-drone systems and increased police patrols to protect weapons facilities. This follows a fire at an EMCO weapons depot, which representatives believe was the result of ‘intentional sabotage’, and a pattern of over ten similar occurrences involving Bulgarian defense companies since 2011. In response to regional security concerns, including a drone entering Bulgarian territory near the Romanian border in August 2026, Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced plans to increase defense spending in 2027. Following drone attacks on two commercial vessels in the Black Sea, Prime Minister Radev called for a ‘sober assessment’ rather than hysteria. To address vulnerabilities, the government has approved the purchase of five additional anti-aircraft missile systems and initiated procedures to acquire new monitoring and counter-drone capabilities. Following a series of drone attacks on commercial vessels, including two ships catching fire off the Romanian coast and a cargo ship sinking near Bulgarian waters on October 13—an incident leaving 11 sailors missing—Bulgaria has formally requested that NATO deploy fighter jets, anti-aircraft systems, and drone defense equipment. Sofia has also summoned the Russian ambassador to demand explanations. Regarding the strikes, which have impacted four commercial ships and resulted in two sinkings, Defense Minister Stoyanov is awaiting the results of a domestic investigation involving the ship Chelsea-3 and the Military Prosecutor's Office. ## Claims - Bulgarian authorities are conducting an investigation using the ship Chelsea-3. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Military Prosecutor's Office has opened a pre-trial investigation into the drone strikes. (corroborated by 3 sources) - If the drones are proven to be Russian, Bulgaria will issue a diplomatic note to Russian Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Bulgaria is seeking assistance from the EU and NATO regarding the investigation of the drone strikes on commercial ships. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-23: Bulgarian Defense Minister criticizes European Parliament drone resolution Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov called the European Parliament's push for Bulgaria to join a NATO anti-drone initiative a political attack against his government. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgarian-defense-minister-criticizes-european-parliament-drone-resolution ### 2026-10-18: Bulgarian Defense Minister awaits investigation into Black Sea drone strikes Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov is awaiting investigation results into drone strikes on Black Sea commercial ships, cautioning against premature political claims regarding Russian involvement. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgarian-defense-minister-addresses-black-sea-drone-investigation ### 2026-10-08: Bulgaria lags in drone and anti-drone technology, says defense official Bulgarian Defense Committee Chair Ivan Lalov stated the country lags in drone and anti-drone technology, noting that modernization will take months or years through various defense projects and NATO initiatives 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-lags-in-drone-and-anti-drone-technology-says-defense-official ### 2026-09-23: Bulgaria to increase defense spending in 2027 Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced that Bulgaria aims to increase defense spending in 2027, following military demonstrations of drone capabilities at the Slivnitza Training Center. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-to-increase-defense-spending-in-2027 ### 2026-09-18: Bulgaria deploys anti-drone systems to protect defense facilities Bulgaria is deploying anti-drone technology and increasing police patrols to protect weapons facilities and defense industry sites following suspected sabotage incidents and recent fires. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-deploys-anti-drone-systems-to-protect-defense-facilities ### 2026-09-11: Bulgaria declines NATO counter-drone initiative due to budget constraints Bulgaria will decline NATO’s €40 billion counter-drone initiative, citing limited funds and its existing commitment to a similar EU-led defense network. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-declines-nato-counter-drone-initiative-due-to-budget-constraints --- Cite as: Bulgarian defense infrastructure and maritime security. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bulgarian-defense-infrastructure-security-measures