I have every reason to say that what is happening is neither a mistake nor an accident, but rather a deliberate provocation. A demonstration containing a certain degree of threat, as well as a test of the ability and readiness of the air defense systems, the surveillance systems of the countries on the Eastern Flank and those closer to the border with Belarus. This is a test of reactions. This was said in an interview with "Denyat na Zivo" on NOVA NEWS by former Defense Minister Angel Naydenov.
His comment comes after Russian drones violated the airspace of Poland, and then Romania – countries that are members of the EU and NATO.
"With each new provocation from the Russian side, the line between provocation and open conflict with NATO member states becomes thinner", Naydenov pointed out.
He also retains a certain skepticism about Bulgaria's ability to cope in such situations. "NATO has shown a lack of readiness not only for a future war, but also for the current one in the form in which it is being fought, namely with the participation of drones", the former minister added.
"The drone wall is the second initiative within Europe that is being undertaken with a view to increasing the capabilities of the military-technical cooperation, in this case of the countries on the Eastern Flank. "Eastern Guard" was launched immediately after the incident in Poland. "The goals were to increase the elements of ground-based air defense and increase the number of patrol aircraft in the airspace of individual countries and NATO as a whole," he further commented, specifying that the new initiative is still in its early stages.