Diplomat Baiba Brace revealed that the NATO multinational force in Bulgaria, organised a few days after Russia began an invasion of Ukraine, has reached its maximum operating capacity
Diplomat Baiba Brace revealed that the NATO multinational force in Bulgaria, organised a few days after Russia began an invasion of Ukraine, has reached its maximum operating capacity (image Courtesy-Google)

Diplomat Baiba Brace revealed that the NATO multinational force in Bulgaria, organised a few days after Russia began an invasion of Ukraine, has reached its maximum operating capacity.

These multinational organisations were established primarily to defend countries bordering Russia and those in the Balkans from Russian assault. The 42nd Mechanized Battalion of the Bulgarian Land Forces served as the foundation for the Battlegroup, which was constituted on March 1.

Midway through October, Italy stepped into the position of framework nation, providing 740 soldiers from the infantry regiment “Torino,” which is commanded by Colonel Francesco Alaimo.

Over a thousand soldiers make up the Battlegroup, which is made up of Bulgaria, the host nation, Albania, Greece, Italy, the Republic of North Macedonia, and the United States. Early in 2021, personnel are also expected to be deployed in Montenegro.

2014 saw an illegal takeover of Crimea by Russia, claims NATO. Following the incident, NATO has continued to fortify and arm its allies in the Black Sea and the Balkan Sea with cutting-edge guns and other defensive gear.

Since the beginning of the invasion, Russian aggression has also harmed Bulgaria and other Baltic countries. Bulgaria and Poland are the most impacted countries due to Russia cutting off the gas supply to Europe since it supported Ukraine during the crisis.

The Bulgarian government has made numerous decisions to lessen its reliance on Russia and guarantee its safety from a potential Russian attack in the future, even though Bulgaria does not have any threat now. Bulgaria is expected to get two units of Lockheed Martin’s F-16 multirole fighters, with the first unit scheduled to arrive in 2025 rather than bolstering the Battlegroup.

Another unit of these multirole combat aircraft will be delivered in 2027 due to the realisation that fighter jets are required to strengthen their airspace. Every unit has eight combat aircraft.

It is predicted that the Bulgarian Air Force will acquire either the Eurofighter Typhoon or the Swiss manufacturer SAAB’s Gripen fighter plane.