Bulgaria Seeks to Acquire IRIS-T Missile Systems from Germany

The Cabinet of Ministers has presented a project to the Parliament for investment spending aimed at acquiring IRIS anti-aircraft missile systems from Germany. Bulgaria has announced plans to purchase one IRIS-T SLM system at a total cost of 182,114,311 euros (356,184,633 leva). Additionally, there is consideration for acquiring up to five more IRIS-T SLM systems and one IRIS-T SLX long-range system, with pricing details outlined until 2032.

From July 22-24, 2024, workshops took place at the Ministry of Defense involving representatives from Germany's Federal Ministry of Defense and the German company Diehl Defense. These meetings focused on acquiring ground-based air defense systems IRIS-T as part of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI). The goal was to finalize the draft Program Agreement between the defense ministries of Bulgaria and Germany and to discuss a draft supplement to the existing supply contract with Diehl Defense for the acquisition of these systems.