Bulgaria orders IRIS-T SLM air defense system

Bulgaria has ordered the IRIS-T SLM medium-range anti-aircraft missile system to strengthen its air defense capabilities.

The press service of Diehl Defense, the German company that manufactures this air defense system, announced this on October 7.

The purchase is part of the European Sky Shield Initiative, which Bulgaria joined last year.

In addition to expanding the capabilities of the Bulgarian army, this purchase contributes to strengthening the comprehensive air defense of Europe and NATO.

This August, the Bulgarian Parliament approved the purchase of the IRIS-T SLM. Funding will be allocated for the purchase of one battery, with an option to purchase five additional batteries by 2032.

It was previously reported that this purchase cost $199 million. The compensation received for Bulgaria’s donation of military equipment to Ukraine in 2024 will partially finance these costs.

In addition, the value of the compensation in 2025 is expected to increase as Bulgaria continues to provide military assistance to Ukraine.

Initially, the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense agreed with the German government and Diehl Defense to purchase these air defense systems.

At the time, they discussed plans to purchase IRIS-T in the SLM modification, as well as the long-range SLX version, which Bulgaria plans to purchase in the amount of one battery in the future.

IRIS-T

The IRIS-T system is designed to destroy aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and cruise missiles. It has medium- and short-range modifications and is equipped with different types of missiles. The IRIS-T SLM can engage air targets at a distance of up to 40 km, and the shorter SLS version – up to 12 km.

The IRIS-T SLM has demonstrated its effectiveness in intercepting air targets in Ukraine, which has led to many European countries placing orders for these systems.

This air defense system’s main customers are Ukraine, Egypt, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Austria, Slovenia, and Germany.