European Sky Shield Initiative

The process of upgrading the Bulgarian Army's air defense systems has officially commenced. On October 7, an additional agreement was signed between the Ministry of Defense of the Federal Republic of Germany and Diehl Defense, the manufacturer of the IRIS-T SLM systems, regarding the provision of an air defense complex for the Bulgarian Air Force.

The Defense Committee has endorsed the government's proposal for Bulgaria to acquire German IRIS-T anti-aircraft missile systems. The initial phase of the project, which involves purchasing these systems, is valued at over 356 million leva. Additionally, there is the potential to procure up to five units of a different modification of the system.

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).

The Biden administration is planning to suspend all current orders for Patriot air defense systems and missiles, redirecting these supplies to Ukraine until its defense requirements are fully met, as reported by the Financial Times. This significant decision could be formally announced today.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has reiterated his opposition to sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine, emphasizing concerns over the potential use of these German-made missiles against targets in the Russian capital, Moscow.

Türkiye has joined a Germany-led defense shield project that aims to strengthen the European anti-ballistic air defense system, formally known as the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI).

Defence Minister Nikos Dendias will sign an agreement for Greece's accession to the NATO missile-defence project European Sky Shield initiative on Thursday in Brussels.

The Sky Shield air defense system, initiated by Germany, intends to bolster NATO's protective capacity over Europe.

The Bulgarian Council of Ministers has greenlit a landmark decision, approving a draft Memorandum of Understanding between Bulgaria and 11 European nations. This paves the way for a collaborative effort in procuring ground-based air defense systems under the European Sky Shield initiative.

Bulgaria has recently embarked on a significant strategic move by aligning itself with the "European Sky Shield Initiative" (ESSI), a collaborative air defense project led by Germany, aiming to fortify Europe's defenses against evolving aerial threats, primarily emanating from Russia.