Bulgarian Parliament approves purchase of German IRIS-T SLM air defence system

Last week, Bulgaria's parliament ratified the government's proposal to purchase long-range air defence systems and six medium-range IRIS-T systems from Germany in stages.

Here's What We Know

The first phase will last 39 months after the contract is signed and will cost about $200 million, the Bulgarian News Agency reports, citing the procurement project.

The initial acquisition of the IRIS-T SLM (Surface-Launched Medium-Range) system will be financed from the country's defence budget and from compensation funds received for the weapons that Bulgaria transferred to Ukraine in 2024. The next stages will be implemented subject to availability of funds, the publication added.

It is worth noting that on 22-24 July, representatives of the defence ministries of Bulgaria, Germany and Diehl Defence held a meeting to discuss the details of the acquisition. By 2032, it will include five additional IRIS-T SLM systems and one long-range IRIS-T SLX (Surface-Launched Extended-Range) system.

Flashback

IRIS-T SLM is a German medium-range air defence system developed by Diehl Defence. It is based on IRIS-T missiles, which were originally developed for use on fighter aircraft. The IRIS-T SLM system is capable of destroying aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, drones and other airborne threats at a range of up to 40 km and altitude of up to 20 km. It provides high mobility, accuracy and efficiency through the use of modern guidance and control technologies.

Source: BTA