Bulgaria Buys IRIS-T Missile System From US to Strengthen Air Defence

Bulgaria has ordered the IRIS-T SLM medium-range surface-to-air missile system to strengthen its air defence.

This was reported by the German company Diehl Defence, which is the manufacturer of this air defence system.

The purchase is part of the European Sky Shield Initiative, which Bulgaria joined last year.

In addition to enhancing the capabilities of the Bulgarian army, this purchase contributes to the strengthening of Europe's and NATO's comprehensive air defence.

In August this year, the Bulgarian parliament approved the purchase of the IRIS-T SLM. In total, funding will be allocated for the purchase of one battery with an option to purchase five additional batteries by 2032.

It is known that the cost of this purchase is $199 million. Part of these costs will be financed by compensation received for Bulgaria's donation of military equipment to Ukraine in 2024.

The IRIS-T system is designed to destroy aircraft, helicopters and UAVs, as well as cruise missiles. The system has medium- and short-range versions that can be equipped with different types of missiles. The IRIS-T SLM can engage air targets at a distance of up to 40 km, and the shorter SLS version - up to 12 km.

The IRIS-T SLM has demonstrated its effectiveness in intercepting air targets in Ukraine, which has led many European countries to place orders for these systems.

The main customers of this air defence system are Ukraine, Egypt, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Austria and Slovenia, as well as Germany.

As The Gaze previously reported, Bulgaria is helping Ukraine with weapons and ammunition that are identified as surplus or unnecessary for the Bulgarian army.