Navy
Missions and Tasks
The Navy protects the interests of the Republic of Bulgaria in the maritime space, guarantees its maritime sovereignty and trains and prepares units and formations for participation in support of international peace and security and for providing assistance to the population in the event of disasters, accidents and catastrophes.
The Navy performs the following specific tasks for the Navy missions:
- Continuous monitoring and maritime situational awareness, control of navigation, protection of maritime communications and business at sea;
- Participation in joint defence operations within the territory and maritime zones of the Republic of Bulgaria in the system of collective defence;
- Participation in collective defence efforts outside the territory of our country (counter and anti-terrorist operations, patrols in designated areas, embargo operations, escorts of high-value ships and cargo, mine countermeasures operations, etc.)
- „Support to International Peace and Security“
- Surveillance, reconnaissance of the situation and control in the area of the operation;
- Participation in joint and/or multinational counter-terrorism operations;
- Preventing illicit trafficking of people, goods and weapons at sea;
- Participation in embargo, humanitarian, evacuation and rescue operations.
- „Contribution to National Security in Peacetime“
- Assisting state and local authorities in protecting the population, economy and infrastructure in non-military crises and eliminating the consequences thereof;
- Participation in the protection of important strategic sites and maritime critical infrastructure;
- Participation in the fight against organised crime and trafficking in drugs, people and weapons;
- Engaging in search and rescue of people at sea and in humanitarian and evacuation operations.
History
The Bulgarian Navy was established in 1879 in the town of Rousse with the assistance of Russia. In 1897 starts the building of Black Sea Navy, with a main base in the town of Varna. The first Bulgarian Navy officers were prepared at the military schools in Russia, Italy, Austria-Hungary and France. During the Balkan War, 1912-1913, and the World War I, the Navy participated actively in combat activities. At that time, the submarine forces and the maritime aviation were established.
In the last years, the Navy has changed structurally in accordance with the modern standards and the necessity of its integration with the European and Euro-Atlantic security structures.
The Navy day is the second Sunday of August, which is as well the last day of the traditional National Week of the Sea.
