Bulgaria Procures IRIS-T SLM Air Defense System

The $200M procurement supports the country's European Sky Shield Initiative
  • Defensemirror.com bureau
  • 04:28 AM, October 9, 2024
  • 489
Bulgaria Procures IRIS-T SLM Air Defense System
Launchers of IRIS-T SLS and SLM air defense systems @via open sources

Bulgaria has officially procured the IRIS-T SLM ground-based air defense system from German manufacturer Diehl Defence.

This marks Bulgaria's inclusion in the list of 20 countries utilizing IRIS-T systems, with nine nations currently employing or committed to acquiring the air defense solution.

The purchase was formalized on October 7, 2024, through a contract signing at the BAAINBw facility in Koblenz. Diehl Defence's CEO Helmut Rauch, along with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov, and German Ambassador to Bulgaria Irene Maria Plank, discussed the ongoing cooperation under the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI). This initiative aims to enhance comprehensive air defense for Europe and NATO. Bulgaria’s acquisition is part of this broader effort, with options to buy additional units in the future.

The Bulgarian Parliament approved the purchase of one IRIS-T SLM battery in August 2024, with funding secured through a combination of national resources and compensation received for Bulgaria's 2024 military assistance to Ukraine. The total cost of the acquisition is estimated at $199 million, with the option to purchase five more batteries by 2032. Bulgaria also plans to acquire the longer-range IRIS-T SLX system.

The IRIS-T SLM system, designed to engage aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and cruise missiles, has proven effective in recent conflicts. 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.

Also Read

Germany Sends 17 New IRIS-T Systems to Ukraine Amid Russian Attacks

September 9, 2024 @ 10:56 AM

German Air Force Achieves Initial Operating Capability for IRIS-T SLM Air Defense...

September 5, 2024 @ 01:50 AM

Germany Delivers IRIS-T Air Defense System, HIMARS Launchers to Ukraine

June 14, 2024 @ 12:29 PM

Czech Firm ERA’s Passive Sensors and Multi-Sensor Tracking Capabilities to Integrate with...

June 7, 2024 @ 11:55 AM
FEATURES/INTERVIEWS
© 2024 DefenseMirror.com - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED