The government has approved Bulgaria joining an international initiative on air defence against low-flying threats, the cabinet press office said. At its regular meeting, the cabinet also took two more decisions, on defence and on rescue after air accidents.

The initiative is set out in a memorandum between the defence ministers of seven countries: Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Romania, Sweden and Turkey. The government also approved a draft note under which Bulgaria's Defence Ministry joins the memorandum. The document will take effect for Bulgaria once parliament ratifies it.

The countries want to work together to develop and introduce better defences against low-flying air threats. They will study current and future technology and decide whether it meets operational needs and today's threats. They will also outline a common approach for their next steps.

The cabinet also approved Bulgaria joining an agreement between France and Denmark to buy VL MICA surface-to-air missiles jointly for the navy. The deal covers 32 missiles and related services. The missiles are for the air defence system of the navy's multi-purpose patrol ships.

The defence minister has been authorised to negotiate and sign the agreement between the defence ministries of the three countries. The "Acquisition of VL MICA surface-to-air missiles" project is part of the National Plan for Investment in the European Defence Industry under the SAFE instrument. France is the lead country.

Before the purchase, parliament must approve a draft investment expenditure. After that, an individual order on a standard form is to be signed under the framework agreement. It will set out the exact financial terms and deadlines.

The third decision concerns an agreement on cooperation and coordination in search and rescue after air accidents. Nine countries are parties to it: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia.

The framework agreement sets out how the countries will communicate and work together. It makes passage through their territories easier and settles rights, duties and who pays costs. Bulgaria has not taken part in a regional agreement of this kind before.