Bulgaria’s Parliament approves purchase of five more German IRIS-T anti-aircraft missile systems
Bulgaria’s Parliament voted on October 15 to approve the purchase of five more IRIS-T SLM anti-aircraft missile systems manufactured by German firm Diehl Defence.
In the 240-seat Parliament, 182 MPs voted: 175 for and seven against, with no abstentions.
All parliamentary groups except pro-Russian party Vuzrazhdane voted in favour.
Tabled by the Cabinet on October 7, the proposal is an update of the first stage of the project for the acquisition of one IRIS-T SLM anti-aircraft missile system and the inclusion of a second stage for an additional five complexes, with warranty and initial logistical support, the supply of anti-aircraft guided missiles and additional equipment.
The plan amends one approved by Parliament in 2024, with a multisensor tracker now replaced with other equipment.
With the replacement, the value of the already concluded contract will be reduced from 182 114 311 euro to 180 605 928 euros. The total value of the two stages of the project, financed under the European Union’s SAFE instrument, is 1 106 466, 933 euro.
The project also envisages opportunities for long-term industrial cooperation, as well as for the construction of the necessary infrastructure for the operation of the anti-aircraft missile systems and for the storage and maintenance of the missiles at their designated points of permanent deployment.
Opportunities will also be sought for the acquisition of unmanned aerial systems for the acquired anti-aircraft missile systems.
The aim of the project is to increase the air defence capabilities of the Bulgarian Air Force in accordance with the requirements of the security environment through the acquisition of new anti-aircraft missile systems.
The updated project will be implemented through the signing of a programme agreement between the defence ministries of Bulgaria and Germany and an addendum to the supply contract with Diehl Defence for the acquisition of IRIS-T air defence systems.
(Photo: Diehl Defence)
