ESSI: Bulgaria signs contract for IRIS-T SLM air defence system

This purchase makes Bulgaria the 20th nation to deploy IRIS-T missiles, joining a list of nine other countries already using or planning to adopt similar air defence solutions based on the IRIS-T technology.

The deal includes one IRIS-T SLM fire unit, with an option to acquire up to five additional units and one extended-range IRIS-T SLX unit by 2032. The initial value of the agreement is estimated at EUR 182 million, partially funded by compensation for Bulgaria’s recent donations of military equipment to Ukraine, with more contributions expected in 2025.

The signing follows earlier discussions in July between Bulgarian and German defence officials and a recent meeting between Diehl Defence’s CEO, Helmut Rauch, and Bulgarian President Rumen Radev. In early September, the Bulgarian and German defence ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on this procurement.