The IRIS-T SLM (Surface-Launched Medium Range) is designed to safeguard ground forces and infrastructure against a range of airborne threats such as drones, missiles, and aircraft. Source: Sergey Kohl/Shutterstock

Bulgaria’s recent procured the IRIS-T SLM ground-based air defence system has officially added to an expanding network of nations committed to enhancing air defence.

On 8 October, 2024, Diehl Defence announced that Bulgaria had become the latest IRIS-T SLM user family member. The IRIS-T SLM system, recognised for its interoperability, has been adopted by 20 countries globally, with nine nations actively utilising these air defence solutions.

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The partnership boosts Bulgaria’s military readiness and fortifies the European Sky Shield Initiative.

Following the German Bundeswehr’s donation to Ukraine in April 2023, Estonia and Latvia have engaged in negotiations with Diehl Defence for joint procurement of the system. Diehl Defence is also eyeing the South Korean market, partnering with LIG Nex1 to integrate IRIS-T missiles onto the KF-21 and FA-50 aircraft.

IRIS-T SLM system: capabilities

The IRIS-T SLM (Surface-Launched Medium Range) is an air defence system that protects ground forces and infrastructure from various aerial threats, including drones, missiles, and aircraft. Characterised by its high mobility and modular design, the IRIS-T SLM allows users to tailor their air defence solutions to specific operational requirements.

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Key features of the IRIS-T SLM include: 360-degree coverage through utilising radar technology, the system ensures situational awareness and threat detection.

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In addition, it is Interoperable in being fully compatible with Nato standards, enabling integration into existing military frameworks, and is rapidly deployable, able to be operational within minutes of arriving on site.

The Bulgaria contract was signed on 7 September, 2024, in Koblenz, Germany, during a meeting attended by figures, including Diehl Defence CEO Helmut Rauch and Bulgarian officials such as President Rumen Radev and Minister of Defence Atanas Zapryanov.

Bulgaria’s integration into the IRIS-T user family is part of the ongoing ESSI initiative, which aims to provide a unified air defence network across Europe. With Bulgaria’s inclusion, the IRIS-T family now comprises 20 countries.

The effectiveness of the system has been demonstrated in Ukraine, where it has intercepted aerial threats.

Bulgaria’s decision to procure the IRIS-T SLM is a testament to its commitment to national and regional security and international cooperation within the ESSI framework.

Last month, the US State Department approved a Foreign Military Sales agreement for Bulgaria to acquire 218 FGM-148F Javelin missiles, valued at $114m. This deal aligns with Bulgaria’s efforts to modernise its military structure since joining NATO in 2007, moving away from a Soviet-style defence model towards a Western approach.