The installation will be able to accommodate a brigade of about 5,000 soldiers.
On August 14, 2025, the Bulgarian government, led by President Rumen Georgiev Radev, announced the decision to construct a NATO military base in Kabile, a move aimed at enhancing the alliance’s eastern flank. This facility will support NATO’s existing battle group of approximately 1,200 troops stationed in Bulgaria, reports 24brussels.
The new base will incorporate the Bezmer Air Base and bolster the existing multinational battle group, which comprises troops from Italy, the United Kingdom, Greece, Bulgaria, Türkiye, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Albania. While the Bulgarian authorities have yet to disclose the timeline for construction or when the base will become operational, the installation is anticipated to significantly strengthen NATO’s presence in the region.
According to the Bulgarian Defense Ministry, the NATO base is designed to accommodate a brigade of up to 5,000 soldiers, with the capacity to deploy a full division if necessary. This strategic development underscores Bulgaria’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities in response to potential threats.
“This is a strategic step to strengthen the defense capabilities of Bulgaria and NATO, ensuring a rapid response to any threat,” the Bulgarian government emphasized in a recent statement. The project is expected to provide economic benefits to the region, spurring construction, maintenance, and supply operations, with investments exceeding 100 million euros (approximately US$110 million), partially funded by NATO.
The future base is strategically located approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles) from Burgas, a key Black Sea city equipped with an international airport and significant rail connections to Sofia and Plovdiv, the nation’s second-largest city. Additionally, Bulgaria and the United States currently maintain a joint-use base in Novo Selo, situated around 150 kilometers (93 miles) from the planned NATO facility.
