Parliament's defence committee today backed the purchase of five more surface-to-air missile systems under the EU's SAFE instrument, "Security Action for Europe". Sixteen MPs voted in favour and one against. See our original report: Government backs plan to buy 5 more air defence missile systems.

The committee met in an extraordinary session. The second item on the agenda is a hearing with defence minister Dimitar Stoyanov.

MPs approved an updated investment spending plan submitted by the Council of Ministers. Parliament approved the original plan in 2024. It covers a first stage with one IRIS-T SLM system and a second stage with five more.

Both stages are paid for under SAFE and cost 1,106,466,933 euros in total. The package includes warranty and initial logistics support, guided anti-aircraft missiles and extra equipment.

The contract for the first stage has already been signed. The multi-sensor tracker that was part of the system is being replaced with other equipment, differing from the set-up in the 2024 decision, and delivery times are being cut. The swap lowers the value of the contract from 182,114,311 euros to 180,605,928 euros.

The plan also includes options for long-term industrial co-operation. It provides for building sites to operate the systems and to store and maintain the missiles where the systems will be permanently based. Options for drone systems to go with the launchers will also be explored.

The aim is for the new systems to strengthen the air force's air defence to meet the demands of the security environment.

A programme agreement between the defence ministries of Bulgaria and Germany, and an addendum to the supply contract with Diehl Defence for the IRIS-T systems, are still to be signed.