Bulgaria joins NATO low-altitude air threat initiative

Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov has signed a note of accession to a NATO initiative designed to counter low-altitude aerial threats. The program focuses on detecting and intercepting targets operating below 150 meters, including cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), and glide bombs.

By joining this memorandum of cooperation, Bulgaria aligns with defense ministers from Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Romania, Sweden, and Turkey. The initiative aims to enhance regional security through two primary channels: joint public procurement and the collaborative development of defense capabilities. Participating nations will exchange expertise, information, and technological solutions to improve interoperability and reduce costs.

The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) will conduct market research to create a catalog of existing and emerging technologies that meet the collective requirements of the member states. This catalog will guide future acquisition decisions and joint development projects. Additionally, the initiative provides opportunities for the Bulgarian defense industry to present its technological solutions and expertise within allied collaborative projects. The accession note must now be submitted to the Bulgarian National Assembly for ratification.