Spain has sent Warships to the Black Sea and is Preparing Fighter Jets for Bulgaria

Spain has sent warships to join NATO's naval forces in the Mediterranean and Black Seas as tensions in the region rise due to the build-up of Russian troops on the Ukrainian border, Defense Minister Margarita Robles said on Thursday.

A minesweeper is already on its way and the frigate will set sail in three or four days, Robles told reporters. The government in Madrid is also considering sending fighter jets to Bulgaria, she said.

According to Spanish media, it is a matter of extending ahead of the time the Spanish participation in the Permanent Naval Groups of the Alliance, as well as sending Eurofighter planes to Bulgaria by the end of February. It is a mission from the so-called Reinforced Air Police, i.e. Allied airspace surveillance, which comes just in time due to the constant presence of Russian aircraft flying in the area of responsibility without identifying themselves.

Several sources in the defense have confirmed to larazon.es that the operation is already planned and that six Eurofighters will be deployed by the end of next month, along with a contingent of 100 troops.

Their term will be 6-8 weeks, but some details need to be clarified, including the base where they will be located. Last year, Spanish fighter jets took part in the same mission, but were based in Romania.

The desire of the Ministry of Defense in Madrid was to participate every year in air policing in the area, but by 2022 all the quotas of allies were filled and it was decided to use Spanish aircraft next year. But amid growing tensions, NATO has asked Allies to respond, and Spain has responded.