MONS, Belgium – Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Tod D. Wolters, certified the readiness of Bulgarian troops for potential NATO duties on Monday Mar. 7, 2022, after accepting a recommendation from the Commander of NATO's Allied Land Command, Lieutenant General Roger L. Cloutier Jr.
The solidarity and commitment of our Allies has never been more important than it is today in the wake of this unprovoked Russian aggression
Lieutenant General Cloutier met with NATO Force Integration Unit (NFIU) Bulgaria's Commander, Colonel Svetoslav Halvadzhiev and visited the Bulgarian troops in order to observe their level of readiness.
"This past week I had the privilege of meeting the soldiers of the Bulgarian land forces and I was very impressed," said Lieutenant General Cloutier. "They are trained and ready to defend, against any threat or outside aggression. They are proving their mettle through their strength and adaptability," he said.
NATO Allied Land Command Commander Lieutenant General Roger L. Cloutier Jr. visited Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, where he met with Bulgarian Troops to observe their readiness level.
In response to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Allies have increased readiness and vigilance across Europe to defend and protect all Allies. This defensive posture includes enhancements to air policing, maritime patrolling and national troop deployments to Eastern and South-Eastern Europe.
"The solidarity and commitment of our Allies has never been more important than it is today in the wake of this unprovoked Russian aggression," said Lieutenant General Cloutier.
Bulgaria has bolstered its own defence posture and has indicated a willingness to provide a battlegroup to support any further enhancements to NATO readiness. Furthermore, the Bulgarian Armed Forces are committed to the enhanced Air Policing mission and participates in NATO's standing maritime forces. Bulgaria remains ready to participate in Allied joint activities and are actively providing host nation support to Allied forces.