Defense Post
Bulgaria has begun arming its air defense forces with the IRIS-T missile system, a next-generation German platform set to replace Soviet-era equipment and strengthen the country’s contribution to NATO’s collective air defense.
The country’s parliament approved the phased acquisition of one long-range and six medium-range IRIS-T systems in August 2024.
The integration announcement came during the 65th anniversary of Bulgaria’s First Air Defense Missile Base, where Chief of Defense Admiral Emil Eftimov praised the rapid progress that led to the contract’s completion.
