Defence minister Dimitar Stoyanov signed a note today that makes Bulgaria part of a NATO initiative against low-flying air threats, the ministry's press office said. Bulgaria will pay a compulsory fee of €220,000 a year, and the project runs for three years.
The government approved the move on Wednesday. Parliament must now ratify the note.
Earlier on this story: Bulgaria joins air defence initiative against low-flying threats
The cooperation memorandum is between the defence ministers of Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Romania, Sweden and Turkey. Bulgaria's ministry is joining it through the note. The main aim is better protection against air threats below 150 metres, the press office said. The ministry lists cruise missiles, drones and glide bombs as such threats.
The plan is to build the means to detect, identify and track these threats, and to counter them. The countries will use modern platforms, sensors, effectors and other technology for this.
The countries will share information, expertise and technology. Cooperation starts in two areas: joint public procurement and joint development of defence capabilities.
The NATO Support and Procurement Agency will study the market and draw up a catalogue of technologies that are available or expected soon, based on the shared needs of the member countries. The catalogue will help them judge what is possible and decide on future purchases and joint projects. Bulgarian industry will be able to present products, technology and expertise, and seek a place in joint projects with allied states.
Earlier this month Stoyanov said Bulgaria would take part in the project and would prepare a request to join. He expects the country to be part of it by 30 October.
Drones have attacked five ships in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea in recent weeks. The latest was a container ship, hit on Wednesday by three sea drones about 21 miles south-east of Shabla. It sank later. All 18 crew members were rescued and brought to Varna, the regional administration said.