Bulgaria approves purchase of Ukraine's proven IRIS-T SLM air defence system

Recently, the Bulgarian parliament approved the purchase of the latest IRIS-T SLM air defence system after long negotiations with Germany and the manufacturer Diehl Defence.

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The agreement to be signed provides for the purchase of one IRIS-T SLM system with an option to purchase five additional units and one IRIS-T SLX system with an extended range until 2032.

The decision to acquire these systems marks a significant step in strengthening the country's military capabilities under the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI).

The initial deal is valued at €182 million. Part of this cost will be covered by compensation received for Bulgaria's donation of military equipment to Ukraine in 2024.

Source: Defence Industry Europe