Bulgaria's parliament votes today on five more IRIS-T systems
MPs are debating an expanded air defence project worth 1.1 billion euros, financed through the EU's SAFE instrument. Insurance and weapons legislation is also on the agenda.
Symbolic image · Photo: Air Command West of the UAF / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 (cropped and resized)
Bulgaria's parliament on Thursday takes up a draft government decision on an updated investment project for air defence missile systems. Under it, Bulgaria is to buy five more systems, the BTA news agency and broadcaster BNT reported. The two project stages together cost 1,106,466,933 euros and are financed through the EU instrument "Security Action for Europe" (SAFE).
The first stage still comprises one IRIS-T SLM system from German manufacturer Diehl Defence. The contract value falls from around 182.1 million to 180.6 million euros because one component is being replaced and delivery times shortened. The second stage covers the five new systems, including warranty, initial logistics support, missile deliveries and additional equipment. Storage and maintenance infrastructure and possible long-term industrial cooperation are also planned, and options for acquiring unmanned systems are to be explored. The project is to be implemented through an agreement between the defence ministries of Bulgaria and Germany and an addendum to the contract with Diehl Defence.
The defence committee approved the project on 13 October with 16 votes in favour and one against. On Wednesday the government approved a draft programme agreement with the German defence ministry on the five IRIS-T SLM systems; the defence minister may sign it only once parliament has approved the project. MPs will also vote today at second reading on amendments to the Insurance Code tabled by the ruling Progressive Bulgaria party, and on amendments to the weapons act. A first reading of amendments to the law on technical requirements for products is also scheduled.