Bulgaria Seeks to Acquire IRIS-T Missile Systems from Germany.

Bulgaria aims to strengthen its air defense capabilities by acquiring IRIS-T missile systems from Germany. A bill proposed by the government to the Bulgarian parliament includes the purchase of one IRIS-T SLM battery with an option to acquire up to five additional batteries, as well as one IRIS-T SLX battery.
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The IRIS-T SLM missile is equipped with a high-resolution infrared seeker, advanced image processing system, and thrust vector control for exceptional maneuverability (Picture source: Diehl Defense)

The IRIS-T SLM is the medium-range version of the IRIS-T SL air defense missile system, designed and produced by the German company Diehl Defense. Initially developed in 2007 and tested in January 2014, the system completed its qualification in January 2015. It provides comprehensive 360° protection against aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and guided weapons, enabling simultaneous engagement of multiple targets from very short to medium-range with extremely brief reaction times. Various multifunction radar systems can be integrated into the IRIS-T SLM, making it suitable for both mobile and stationary deployments.

The missile system uses the IRIS-T air-to-air guided missile, which entered service with the German Air Force in December 2005. The IRIS-T SLM missile is equipped with a high-resolution infrared seeker, advanced image processing system, and thrust vector control for exceptional maneuverability. It has a maximum firing range of 40 km and an altitude range of up to 20 km. The missile can intercept a wide range of targets, including aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, air-to-surface missiles, and drones. The system's components, including the launcher, radar, and command post vehicle, are mounted on a MAN truck chassis, ensuring high mobility and compatibility with various terrains.

The IRIS-T SLX is a long-range version of the IRIS-T air defense missile system, also designed and produced by Diehl Defense. It offers protection against aerial threats at even greater distances than the IRIS-T SLM. The IRIS-T SLX integrates advanced technologies to extend its engagement capabilities, designed to intercept targets at ranges of up to 80 kilometers and higher altitudes, providing extensive coverage against aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and other sophisticated aerial threats. Like the IRIS-T SLM, the SLX can be integrated with various multifunction radar systems and remotely controlled by sophisticated command centers.

Bulgaria has announced its intention to purchase one IRIS-T SLM system at a total cost of 182,114,311 euros. Additionally, the acquisition of up to five more IRIS-T SLM systems and one IRIS-T SLX long-range system is being considered, with pricing details planned through 2032.

From July 22-24, 2024, workshops were held at the Ministry of Defense, bringing together representatives from Germany's Federal Ministry of Defense and the German company Diehl Defense. These meetings focused on the acquisition of ground-based IRIS-T air defense systems within the framework of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI). The aim was to finalize the draft program agreement between the Bulgarian and German defense ministries and to discuss a draft supplement to the existing supply contract with Diehl Defense for these systems. The planned signing of a program agreement between Bulgaria's Ministry of Defense and Germany's Federal Ministry of Defense aims to allow Bulgaria to benefit from the terms of Germany's existing supply contract with Diehl Defence. This agreement is part of the investment expenditure project titled "Acquisition of Anti-Aircraft Missile Systems."

Bulgaria needs modern air defense systems to meet current challenges, particularly due to ongoing conflicts nearby—in Ukraine and the Middle East. The acquisition of new multichannel air defense systems will significantly increase Bulgaria's capabilities to deter and respond to enemy air and missile attacks. It will also reduce Bulgaria's dependence on importing spare parts for its outdated air defense systems from Russia. Currently, Bulgaria's most advanced air defense system is the Soviet S-300, dating back to the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact in 1990-1991. While these systems are proven, they are quite old and their operation is very complex, especially since the start of Russia's war in Ukraine in February 2022.

In response to new threats, Bulgaria has joined the "European Sky Shield" initiative. In addition to Bulgaria, this initiative includes Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, and Slovenia.

The IRIS-T SLX integrates advanced technologies to extend its engagement capabilities, designed to intercept targets at ranges of up to 80 kilometers and higher altitudes, providing extensive coverage against aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and other sophisticated aerial threats (Picture source: Diehl Defense)