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The tactical drill will be held at the Koren training area near Haskovo, Bulgaria's Defence Ministry confirmed, according to TASS.
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NATO will begin its 'Strike Back 26' military exercise in Bulgaria on 26 May, TASS reported, citing Bulgaria's Defence Ministry.
The tactical exercise will involve live firing and will be conducted at the Koren training area, located near the southern city of Haskovo. The training ground is one of Bulgaria's principal military facilities and has previously hosted multinational drills conducted under NATO's collective defence framework.
Bulgaria, a NATO member since 2004, has in recent years increased its participation in alliance-led exercises as part of broader efforts to strengthen the eastern flank's readiness and interoperability among allied forces.
The Defence Ministry's statement, as cited by TASS, did not specify the number of troops expected to participate, which allied nations will take part alongside Bulgarian forces, or how long the exercise is scheduled to last. Further details are expected to be released closer to the exercise's start date.
NATO will conduct a live-fire exercise called 'Strike Back 26' in Bulgaria on 26 May at the Koren training area near Haskovo. Bulgaria has ramped up NATO exercise participation in recent years to strengthen eastern flank readiness.
If you work in defence, security policy, or track NATO operations, this exercise signals continued military buildup in eastern Europe amid broader alliance concerns. The drill's timing and location near Bulgaria's southern border may affect local civilian access to the training area and reflect NATO's strategic priorities in the region.