Bulgaria to Deploy Naval Missiles Along Black Sea Amid Russia Tensions
Bulgaria is set to receive one of the Alliance’s most advanced coastal defense systems, the Naval Strike Missile Coastal Defense System (NSM CDS), under a $620 million U.S.-approved Foreign Military Sale.
The Gaze reports this, referring to a statement made by the U.S. State Department.
The system, developed by Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, represents a major upgrade to Bulgaria’s outdated Soviet-era missile infrastructure.
It will significantly enhance Sofia’s maritime strike capability, offering over-the-horizon targeting and precision engagement of both naval and land-based threats.
The NSM CDS is a highly mobile surface-to-surface missile platform capable of launching up to 48 precision strikes in coordinated salvos.
Its advanced targeting suite includes GPS-assisted navigation, terrain contour matching, and an infrared seeker with autonomous target recognition, making it a formidable counter to evolving hybrid threats in the Black Sea.
The full package requested by Bulgaria includes operational and training missiles, Link-16 communication systems, launcher and control vehicles, GPS modules, spare parts, and technical assistance.
The U.S. government and private contractors are expected to remain in Bulgaria for up to five years to support system integration and training.
With the deployment of the NSM CDS, Bulgaria strengthens its ability to deter potential aggression and safeguard maritime infrastructure governed under the Montreux Convention.
Already in use by the U.S. Marine Corps under the NMESIS program and deployed by Poland and Romania, the Naval Strike Missile is fast becoming a cornerstone of NATO’s coastal defense.
The announcement comes as Russia ramps up naval activities in the Black Sea, including the launch of its new Project 11711M “Kaiman” amphibious assault ship.
Read more on The Gaze: Russian Threats to NATO and Europe in 2025