بلغاريا تفكر في شراء أنظمة صواريخ مضادة للطائرات IRIS-T من ألمانيا لتعزيز دفاعها الجوي

Bulgaria is considering purchasing IRIS-T anti-aircraft missile systems from Germany to strengthen its air defense. The Bulgarian government has submitted the project to the parliament for approval. The initial purchase includes at least one IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defense system from the German company Diehl Defense, with a planned expenditure of €182.11 million. The purchase is part of the European Sky Shield Initiative, which aims to coordinate the procurement of air and missile defense systems among European countries.

The IRIS-T system is designed to destroy airplanes, helicopters, UAVs, and cruise missiles. Diehl Defense is the general contractor and system integrator of the IRIS, responsible for the supply of launchers and anti-aircraft missiles. The IRIS-T SLM can hit air targets at a distance of up to 40 km, while the shorter SLS version has a range of up to 12 km. The new anti-aircraft systems would enhance Bulgaria’s air defense capabilities and contribute to the overall cooperation among European countries in training, maintenance, and logistics.

The IRIS-T SLM demonstrated its effectiveness during the interception of Russian missiles in Ukraine.

The origins of this incident can be traced back to Bulgaria’s efforts to strengthen its national defense and participate in regional defense initiatives. The decision to purchase IRIS-T anti-aircraft missile systems from Germany is part of Bulgaria’s commitment to the European Sky Shield Initiative, which aims to enhance coordination and cost-effectiveness in air and missile defense systems. The effectiveness of the IRIS-T SLM system has been demonstrated in Ukraine, leading to its adoption by the Ukrainian Armed Forces as part of military assistance from Germany.

ملخص الأخبار

• Bulgaria could potentially purchase up to five additional IRIS-T SLMs and one SLX system.
• The IRIS-T SLM system is part of the European Sky Shield Initiative involving 17 European countries to optimize defense procurement.
• The SLX version of IRIS-T, under development, is expected to target air threats up to 80 km away and at altitudes of up to 30 km.