IRIS-T

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.

Bulgaria continues to support Ukraine in line with the decisions of its National Assembly, according to Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov. He made this statement during a meeting of defense ministers in the Contact Group for defense assistance to Ukraine, led by the US, held at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

Bulgaria has approved significant defense acquisitions, including ammunition for Stryker combat vehicles and a German air defense system, following a parliamentary vote. The decision includes the ratification of contracts to enhance the country's military capabilities.

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).

Kyiv accused Moscow of a rocket attack on Koprivnitsky, formerly Kirovgrad, in central Ukraine, in which, they claim, one person was killed and eight were wounded.
Moscow, on the other hand, announced that Ukraine carried out an attack on a Russian military unit near Yevpatoria in Crimea.

Air strike against Ukrainian positions

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.