Bulgaria wants to acquire French 3D radars under a European programme

Bulgaria and France will sign a framework agreement for the acquisition of new 3D radars for the Air Force. The project is important for the new Bulgarian F-16 fighter jets. Bulgaria has opted for European funding for the project because, in the words of Defence Minister Ananas Zapryanov, "there are no funds earmarked for this project from the state budget".

Around 15–16 months ago, the then-leadership of the Ministry of Defense invited the French company Thales. This was part of a broader procedure that also included companies from the United States, Italy, Israel and Spain. The plan was for Bulgaria to acquire seven radars, each costing around EUR 200 million. The direct negotiations under the new procedure will take place within the framework of SAFE- the EU’s EUR 150 billion loan instrument aimed to boost defence production across the bloc.