US Approves Sale of Javelin FGM-148F Anti-Tank Missiles and Launch Units to Bulgaria.

On September 20, 2024, the U.S. Department of State approved a major foreign military sale to Bulgaria, including Javelin FGM-148F missiles and related equipment, for a total estimated cost of $114 million. This decision marks an important step in the military relationship between the two countries and aims to strengthen Bulgaria's defense capabilities, a strategic NATO ally in Europe.

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Raytheon FGM-148F Anti-Tank Missiles (Picture source: French: Raytheon)

Bulgaria's request includes the purchase of 218 Javelin FGM-148F missiles, as well as 107 Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLU). In addition to the weapons systems themselves, the sale includes various support equipment and services such as skill trainers, battery cooling units, and technical manuals for operators and technicians. This comprehensive package is designed to provide long-term logistical support to the Bulgarian forces.

This sale is seen as a key step in improving Bulgaria's ability to respond to regional threats and strengthen its national defense. The Javelins, known for their effectiveness in anti-tank combat, are versatile weapons capable of destroying a wide range of armored targets, making them a valuable asset for Bulgaria in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The main contract will be executed by Lockheed Martin in Orlando, Florida, and RTX Corporation in Tucson, Arizona. No permanent U.S. representatives will be required for the implementation of this sale, demonstrating Bulgaria's ability to integrate these systems into its armed forces without major difficulties.

The FGM-148 Javelin, or Advanced Anti-Tank Weapon System-Medium (AAWS-M), is a man-portable anti-tank system in service since 1996 and continuously upgraded. It replaced the M47 Dragon anti-tank missile in U.S. service. Its fire-and-forget design uses automatic infrared guidance, allowing the user to take cover immediately after launch, unlike wire-guided systems that require manual guidance throughout the engagement. The Javelin's high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead can defeat modern tanks with a top attack, hitting them from above, where armor is thinnest, and is also useful against fortifications in a direct attack.

According to the CIA Factbook, military relations between Bulgaria and the West, particularly with the United States and NATO, have significantly grown since Bulgaria joined NATO in 2004. As a NATO ally, Bulgaria has participated in several multinational military exercises and contributed to peacekeeping missions under the EU, NATO, and the UN. In line with its NATO commitments, Bulgaria has strengthened its defense by creating and leading a NATO multinational battlegroup in 2022, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This initiative aims to bolster NATO's defense in Eastern Europe and improve Bulgaria's military integration with its Western partners.

Additionally, Bulgaria launched a 10-year defense plan in 2021, which focuses on modernizing military equipment and acquiring more modern weapons systems, primarily from Western countries. While Bulgaria's military still relies heavily on Soviet-era equipment, recent reforms aim to align its military capabilities with Western standards, with an emphasis on cyber defense, communications, and logistics. The partnership with the U.S. in projects such as Foreign Military Sales (FMS) also contributes to this modernization, strengthening Bulgaria's capacity to participate in NATO's collective defense missions and maintain regional security.

The two countries share the use of several military facilities in Bulgaria, including training bases, under a Defense Cooperation Agreement established in 2006. This arrangement supports U.S. military training and exercises in Bulgaria, further enhancing the strength of the Bulgarian armed forces.