The U.S. State Department had earlier approved a potential sale of Javelin FGM-148F missiles and associated equipment to Bulgaria in September, with an upper limit of $114 million. Wednesday’s approval confirms Bulgaria’s intention to proceed with the agreed portion of that package.
According to lawmakers, the Javelin missiles are intended to equip the Stryker armoured fighting vehicles, which Bulgaria committed to purchase from the United States in 2023 in a $1.5 billion deal. These vehicles are expected to play a key role in enhancing the operational mobility and defensive capability of the Bulgarian Army.
The BTA news agency reported that 164 members of Bulgaria’s 240-seat parliament voted in favour of the missile deal. The approval reflects growing political consensus around the need for military upgrades in the face of evolving security challenges in Europe.
A NATO and European Union member, Bulgaria has accelerated efforts to replace outdated Soviet-era weapons systems following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The country’s defence reforms are closely aligned with EU-wide initiatives to strengthen collective security and increase investment in arms production.
In addition to foreign acquisitions, Bulgaria plans to expand its domestic defence manufacturing to contribute more substantially to the EU’s defence capabilities
Source: Reuters.
