Defence Minister, PM Attend Exercise of NATO Multinational Battlegroup in Bulgaria

Dimitrina Solakova, BTA correspondent Velina Vasileva

High-ranking guests attend a command staff exercise of the NATO Multinational Battlegroup in Bulgaria at the Novo Selo training area, October 28, 2024 (Defence Ministry Photo)

Sliven, Southeastern Bulgaria,

28.10.2024 14:33

(BTA)

Caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev, Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov, and the Chief of Defence, Admiral Emil Eftimov, Monday were guests of a command staff exercise of the NATO Multinational Battlegroup in Bulgaria at the Novo Selo training area. The exercise was led by the staff of the Italian brigade Ariete with the participation of the Battlegroup.

In 2022, Italy took command of the Battlegroup in Bulgaria.

Glavchev got acquainted with the organization and capabilities in the exercise at brigade level. "They showed us the Multinational Battlegroup's readiness to repel an attack by an assumed enemy, who has invaded Bulgaria," he told reporters. The exercise also shows what NATO's character is: namely, a defensive alliance, Glavchev added.

Zapryanov said that there is a battlegroup permanently based in Bulgaria, but under NATO's plans, it can grow to a brigade. The current exercise includes such elements. It shows that there is complete readiness to activate the Multinational Battlegroup and have it participate in the Bulgarian territory's defence, he explained.

The Battlegroup's preparation is progressing at an accelerated rate, Admiral Eftimov said. It is coordinated with the Bulgarian Army's preparation.

The Multinational Battlegroup's formations presented a static display of armament and equipment.

Also among the guests on Monday were the Ariete Commander, Brigadier General Domenico Leotta, senior officers from the Bulgarian Army, and Italian Ambassador Giuseppina Zarra.

/RY/