Slovenian troops to be deployed to Bulgaria

Slovenia will deploy up to 20 troops to Bulgaria to join the Italian-led multinational battle group as part of NATO's forward-deployed defence and deterrence military force, CE Report quotes The Slovenia Times.

Members of the Slovenian Armed Forces (SAF) already serve in Slovakia and Latvia as part of NATO Enhanced Forward Presence.

The government confirmed on 14 November the intention to participate in the NATO battle group in Bulgaria as part of the Forward Land Forces with up to 20 SAF members with the possibility of rotation.

The plan was presented to the parliamentary committees on defence and foreign affairs on 11 December.

"The integration of the SAF into the NATO battle group in Bulgaria, in which the allies Albania, Montenegro, Greece, Croatia, Romania, North Macedonia, Turkey and the US participate regularly or periodically in addition to the leading country Italy, will take place gradually," the Defence Ministry said in a press release on 12 December.

The timeline of the deployment, the structure of the Slovenian contingent and logistical and other details will be agreed with Italy, taking into account the needs and capabilities of the SAF.

Around 300 SAF members and civilian experts serve in twelve international operations and missions of NATO, the EU, the UN and the global coalition in maintaining international peace and security.

The largest group of Slovenian troops is deployed in Kosovo, numbering 106, followed by 98 in Slovakia and 38 in Latvia.