# Bulgaria air defense modernization > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bulgaria-air-defense-modernization > Updated: 2026-10-15T12:41:30.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 3. Following drone attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea within its Exclusive Economic Zone, Bulgaria initiated a major modernization of its air defense capabilities. Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced plans to propose the purchase of five additional IRIS-T SLM missile systems to the National Assembly, which would bring the country’s total to six complexes. Bulgaria’s parliamentary defense commission approved the acquisition of the five additional IRIS-T SLM anti-aircraft missile systems through the European ‘Security Assistance for Europe’ (SAFE) instrument. The total project, valued at approximately 1.1 billion euros, is divided into two stages. The first stage involves an updated plan for a single system, where the replacement of a multi-sensor tracker reduced the contract price from 182,114,311 euros to 180,605,928 euros and shortened delivery timelines. The second stage covers the five new missile systems, logistical support, and infrastructure for operation and maintenance. The procurement also includes exploring unmanned aerial systems to complement the missile complexes. The Bulgarian Parliament has since authorized the acquisition of the five systems from Germany, funded via the SAFE program. The decision passed with a near-unanimous majority, though the Vazrazhdane party opposed the expenditure. Vazrazhdane members criticized the high cost, arguing the systems may be ineffective against modern drone warfare and that the ministry is focusing on ‘20th-century combat styles’. Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov defended the purchase, stating that conflicts like the war in Ukraine demonstrate that high-speed jet-powered drones require such advanced interception capabilities. ## Claims - The Bulgarian Parliament approved the purchase of five IRIS-T SLM air defense missile systems from Germany. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The total value of the agreement is over 1.1 billion euros. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The acquisition will be funded via the European SAFE program, which provides resources for defense projects. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The proposal was passed with a near-unanimous majority, with only the Vazrazhdane party voting against it. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov stated that modern air defense is a necessity due to the changed security environment in Europe. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Dimo Drenchev of the Vazrazhdane party criticized the expenditure, arguing the systems are ineffective against modern drone warfare. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-15: Bulgaria approves 1.1 billion euro purchase of German IRIS-T air defense systems Bulgaria's Parliament approved a 1.1 billion euro deal to purchase five German IRIS-T SLM air defense systems, funded by the EU's SAFE program, despite opposition regarding drone warfare effectiveness. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-approves-purchase-of-five-german-air-defense-systems ### 2026-10-13: Bulgaria approves purchase of five IRIS-T SLM missile systems Bulgaria's defense commission approved a 1.1 billion euro plan to acquire five IRIS-T SLM anti-aircraft missile systems and supporting infrastructure via the EU's SAFE instrument. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-approves-purchase-of-five-iris-t-slm-missile-systems ### 2026-10-06: Bulgaria to purchase five additional IRIS-T air defense systems Bulgaria plans to acquire five additional IRIS-T SLM air defense systems to bolster national security following drone attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-to-acquire-five-additional-iris-t-missile-systems --- Cite as: Bulgaria air defense modernization. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bulgaria-air-defense-modernization