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Bulgaria will acquire a Naval Strike Missile Coastal Defense System and other equipment under a US$620 million foreign military sale approved by the US State Department.
US Congress was notified of the possible foreign military sale by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA)on 21 July.
The proposed sale also includes the system, three Link-16 Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio Systems, tactical Naval Strike Missiles, inert NSM handling, telemetered NSM and mobile fire control centres with associated communications equipment.
The sale also includes inert NSM, mobile missile launch vehicles with associated communications equipment, NSM transport loading vehicles, NavStrike-M Global Positioning System receiver, operator trainer consoles, Simple Key Loaders and associated support, including but not limited to technical publications.
Other items include training documentation, technical data packages, support equipment, software support spare parts, training simulators, integration services, US government and original equipment manufacturer technical assistance.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO ally that is an important force for political and economic stability in Europe,” according to the statement from the US DSCA.
“The proposed sale will enhance Bulgaria’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing a credible force that is capable of deterring adversaries and participating in NATO operations. The proposed sale will support its goal of improving national and territorial defence as well as interoperability with US and NATO forces. Bulgaria will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and services into its armed forces.
“The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. There will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale.”
The principal contractor will be Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace AS and the implementation of this proposed sale is expected to require the temporary duty travel of three to five US government and contractor representatives to Bulgaria for a duration of up to five years.
