A NATO Joint Planning Team has deployed to Sofia, Bulgaria, to refine the country’s contribution to Eastern Sentry, a key Alliance activity aimed at strengthening situational awareness and NATO’s defensive posture along its eastern border.
The team includes personnel from Allied Air Command (AIRCOM), Joint Force Command Naples and the Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) Torrejón, working alongside the Bulgarian Air Force to develop national elements for the enhanced Vigilance Activity.
According to NATO, the planning effort is focused on improving command-and-control integration, operational planning and information-sharing processes, with the aim of increasing readiness and responsiveness against potential airspace incursions.
“This deployment highlights NATO’s integrated approach to air and space operations,” said Brigadier General Kevin M. Jamieson, Deputy Chief of Staff Operations at Allied Air Command. “By bringing together planners from AIRCOM, JFC Naples and CAOC Torrejón, and working side-by-side with the Bulgarian Air Force, we strengthen interoperability and ensure national contributions are fully aligned with Alliance objectives.”
NATO said the Sofia deployment is one of seven Joint Planning Team missions carried out to eastern flank countries since the activation of Eastern Sentry, forming part of broader efforts to reinforce integrated air and missile defence across the region. Allied Air Command, headquartered at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, is responsible for providing air and space expertise to NATO in peace, crisis and conflict.
