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Bulgaria approves 1.1 billion euro purchase of German IRIS-T air defense systems
The Bulgarian Parliament has approved the acquisition of five IRIS-T SLM air defense missile systems from Germany. The deal, valued at over 1.1 billion euros, aims to modernize the nation's air defense capabilities.
The procurement will be financed through the European SAFE program, a strategic initiative designed to provide defense resources to member states. The contract includes the missile launchers, guided missiles, additional equipment, warranty services, and initial logistical support.
The decision passed with a near-unanimous majority, with only the Vazrazhdane party voting against the measure. Opposition members from Vazrazhdane criticized the high cost, arguing that such systems are ineffective against modern drone warfare and that the ministry is focusing on 20th-century combat styles.
Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov defended the purchase, noting that modern conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, involve high-speed jet-powered drones that require sophisticated interception capabilities beyond simple anti-drone systems or fighter jets.
Entities
Bulgarian National Assembly · Bulgarian Parliament · Dimitar Stoyanov · Germany · IRIS-T · NATO · Vazrazhdane
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The total value of the agreement is over 1.1 billion euros. bgvoice.com · trafficnews.bg · novini247.com · telegraph.bg
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Bulgarian Parliament approved the purchase of five IRIS-T SLM air defense missile systems from Germany. bgvoice.com · trafficnews.bg · novini247.com · telegraph.bg
- [● 4 SOURCES] The acquisition will be funded via the European SAFE program, which provides resources for defense projects. bgvoice.com · trafficnews.bg · novini247.com · telegraph.bg
- [● 2 SOURCES] Dimo Drenchev of the Vazrazhdane party criticized the expenditure, arguing the systems are ineffective against modern drone warfare. trafficnews.bg · novini247.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The proposal was passed with a near-unanimous majority, with only the Vazrazhdane party voting against it. bgvoice.com · trafficnews.bg · novini247.com · telegraph.bg
- [● 2 SOURCES] Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov stated that modern air defense is a necessity due to the changed security environment in Europe. bgvoice.com · telegraph.bg