To strengthen security along its Black Sea coastline, Bulgaria has given the green light to acquire the Naval Strike Missile coastal defense system for its armed forces. The project, approved by the government, will be executed through a government-to-government agreement with the United States and is valued at approximately $205 million, according to outgoing Defense Minister Atanas Zaprianov.
With Cabinet approval secured, the proposed purchase of the Norwegian-made anti-ship missiles—produced by Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace—will next be presented to Bulgaria’s National Assembly for authorization. Zaprianov noted that the bulk of payments is projected for the 2029–2030 period, as reported by Novinite – Sofia News Agency.
The decision was taken by the caretaker administration, which remains in place until a new government is formed following anticipated snap elections this spring. However, given the broad political agreement surrounding the acquisition, parliamentary approval is widely expected to proceed without difficulty.
In July, the U.S. State Department cleared a potential foreign military sale of the Naval Strike Missile system and supporting equipment, with an estimated total value of $620 million. The approved package covers multiple missile variants, mobile command and fire control units with communications systems, launch and transport vehicles, Link-16 MIDS-JTRS systems, along with training and logistical support.
As Russia steps up its assertive posture in the Black Sea region, Bulgaria is following the lead of neighboring Romania, which has already procured the same missile system. According to Kongsberg, the Naval Strike Missile is a sea-skimming, over-the-horizon weapon capable of striking targets at distances beyond 185 kilometers (115 miles).
