Speaking on the Bulgarian National Television, Chief of Defence Admiral Emil Eftimov said that the crew of a merchant vessel that sank following Tuesday’s drone attack in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone had only three minutes to react, which explains the lack of rescue actions. He noted that the attack, which also damaged another merchant vessel, involved both aerial and naval drones. Eftimov commended the captain and crew of the Bulgarian ship Dioscuria for their appropriate response and for rescuing 18 sailors.
“At 2:54 a.m., the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre received an alert from the motor vessel Alfa Watan. At 3:05 a.m., Dioscuria observed aerial unmanned vehicles striking Alfa Watan. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre established radio contact with the Bulgarian vessel. According to its information, an explosion was observed on Alfa Watan, followed by its sinking,“ Eftimov noted.
“We are in constant contact with NATO operational structures regarding the incident. To determine the type of drone, I would need to see the remains,“ he said. According to him, no NATO country has sufficient surveillance and anti-drone defence systems.
“Our logic was to approach the stricken vessel quickly. The powers of the Bulgarian Navy extend to the territorial sea, which stretches 12 miles from the border, followed by a contiguous zone, where we can assist the authorities. In the exclusive economic zone, the Air Force is involved in the national search and rescue plan,” Eftimov said.
He added that deploying a Su-25 aircraft was the fastest way to provide surveillance in the area. The aircraft spotted the burning ship, saw the life rafts from the sunken vessel, and provided initial information, after which two Cougar helicopters were dispatched, Eftimov added.
Asked about the capability of Bulgaria’s air force and navy to defend against drones, Eftimov said that both drones and anti-drone systems are still developing. “We are working on projects under the SAFE mechanism, where we expect to acquire some 20 systems. We are also working on an air defence project, which will additionally provide anti-drone systems. We participate in all NATO and EU initiatives,” he said.
He believes the most effective means of potential defence is a radar with suitable resolution and a kinetic means of engagement.
Eftimov noted that it is logical to strengthen surveillance at sea and the means for potential defence. “We already have some capabilities, but the situation is changing,” he said.
Chief of Defence Says Sunken Vessel’s Crew Had Three Minutes to React 2026 THE NEWS FROM BULGARIA – NEWS AGENCY 2009-2025 2026-10-06 18:58:37
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BULGARIA NEWS – NEWS AGENCY 2009–2026 2026-10-06 18:58:37
