Bulgaria's Council of Ministers approved on 11 November the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Spain's Ministry of Defence to acquire up to 20 counter-drone systems, ten mobile and ten in containers. Bulgaria has set aside €80 million for them.
The purchase will run through Security Action for Europe (SAFE), the European Union's instrument of long-term loans and joint purchases for defence, with Spain as the lead nation. Bulgaria's parliament still has to approve the spending, and Bulgaria still has to join the purchase contract.
Defence minister Dimitar Stoyanov announced the plan in parliament on 14 October and said Bulgaria takes part in the Drone Edge initiative.
Neither government has named a maker, and no delivery schedule has been published. Infodefensa notes that the Aracne system by Indra and Escribano Mechanical & Engineering, already in service with Spain's armed forces, would fit Bulgaria's needs, but Bulgaria's documents do not mention either company.
Background
Council of Ministers of Bulgaria
Government
Bulgaria's government, which approved on 11 November a memorandum with Spain to buy up to 20 counter-drone systems.
Spanish Ministry of Defence
Ministry
Spain's defence ministry, the lead nation of the joint purchase of counter-drone systems with Bulgaria.
Dimitar Stoyanov
Defence minister of Bulgaria
Bulgaria's defence minister, who announced the counter-drone purchase in parliament on 14 October.
