Parliament's defence committee today approved the purchase of five more IRIS-T SLM air defence systems, to be paid for through the EU's SAFE programme (Security Action for Europe). At an extraordinary session, 16 MPs voted in favour and one against.

This report follows our earlier story on the contract for the five systems. Prime minister Rumen Radev said then, at the start of the Council of Ministers meeting, that the government was approving an investment project and that the contract was expected within weeks.

The committee backed the updated investment project submitted by the Council of Ministers. It has two stages, both paid for through SAFE, with a total value of €1,106,466,933.

The first stage covers one IRIS-T SLM system and was approved by parliament in 2024. It is now being changed. The multi-sensor tracker that is part of the system is being replaced with other equipment, and delivery times are being cut. After the change, the value of the contract already signed falls from €182,114,311 to €180,605,928.

The second stage is new. Under it, Bulgaria will get five more systems, warranty and initial logistics support, surface-to-air missiles and extra equipment.

The project also provides for long-term industrial cooperation and for building the infrastructure to run the systems and to store and maintain the missiles at their permanent bases. Bulgaria will also look into buying unmanned aerial systems for the new batteries.

With this, the Air Force is to boost its air defence capability in line with the demands of the security situation.

The purchase will go through a programme agreement between the defence ministries of Bulgaria and Germany. An addendum to the contract with Diehl Defence for the IRIS-T air defence systems is also due to be signed.

The second item on the agenda of the same session is a hearing of defence minister Dimitar Stoyanov.