Bulgaria’s Council of Ministers has approved the acquisition of the Naval Strike Missile Coastal Defence System to bolster the country’s Black Sea coast defense capabilities.
The procurement will be conducted through a foreign military sales (FMS) agreement with the US, a mechanism previously used by Sofia to acquire F-16 Block 70 fighter jets and Stryker armored vehicles.
The US State Department has already approved a potential FMS sale to Bulgaria estimated at $620 million, which includes the Naval Strike Missile Coastal Defence System, ammunition, and Naval Strike Missile transport loading vehicles.
According to a document submitted to the Bulgarian Parliament, the project envisages two separate contracts, valued at approximately $205 million for the Naval Strike Missile Coastal Defence System and $3 million for the associated command-and-control system.
The procurement of ammunition has not been confirmed as part of the contracts.
Delivery by 2030
Following cabinet approval, the investment proposal will be submitted to parliament. Once approved, the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence will proceed with signing the contracts, according to Bulgarian news agency Novinite.
Citing Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov, the outlet reported that most of the payments are expected to take place in 2029 and 2030, with full implementation of the project scheduled for completion by the end of 2030.
The acquisition forms part of Bulgaria’s broader rearmament effort under the Armed Forces Investment Programme and the Defence Capabilities Development Programme 2032, with funding provided entirely from national resources, according to Novinite.
With the procurement, Bulgaria will join neighboring Romania in operating the Naval Strike Missile Coastal Defence System. Romania acquired the system in December 2022.
NSM Coastal Defence System
Developed by Norwegian Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, the Naval Strike Missile Coastal Defence System consists of Kongsberg’s advanced fire control system, Naval Strike Missile launcher units, and an integrated sea surveillance and tracking radar.
The missile is capable of engaging both maritime and land-based targets at ranges exceeding 100 nautical miles (185 kilometers/161 miles).
It carries a 500-pound (226-kilogram) class warhead and features proven sea-skimming and terminal maneuvering capabilities.
