Bulgaria to acquire systems to counter unmanned threats

The Bulgarian government is working to acquire capabilities to counter unmanned systems in the air and at sea, Prime Minister Rumen Radev said ahead of Wednesday’s cabinet meeting. He cautioned that the process would take time, require careful assessment and involve substantial funding.

Radev spoke just hours before a meeting of the Consultative Council on National Security convened by President Iliana Iotova following the drone attacks on commercial ships in the Black Sea.

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The prime minister also pointed to Bulgaria’s participation in the European air defence initiative. He said a contract had already been signed for one IRIS-T air defence system, while the cabinet was due to approve an investment project on Wednesday for another five. The aim, he said, was to protect Bulgarian territory and strengthen the country’s contribution to NATO’s collective defence capabilities. The contract is expected to be signed within a week.

Radev said the government would continue to support diplomatic efforts to end the war.

“Pouring money into this war and endlessly rearming is far more expensive than investing in diplomacy and finding a lasting solution for peace,” he said.

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Editor: Diana Tsankova