By Kylie Bielby
Bulgaria has signed a memorandum of understanding with Spain for the purchase of counter-uncrewed aerial systems technologies.
According to a Bulgarian government press release, Spain will take the lead role in purchasing systems, with Bulgaria joining its purchase contract. A combination of kinetic mobile systems and container-based systems will be acquired, up to a total of 20 units.
The agreement follows Bulgarian Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov’s comments to parliament on 14 October regarding membership of NATO’s C-UAS initiative and a series of maritime drone strikes off Bulgaria’s coast.
Stoyanov has also sent a formal request to NATO to help strengthen the country’s drone defences.
The Bulgarian Navy recently carried out a reconnaissance and destruction task of a grounded aerial drone found near Shabla. On the morning of 6 November, a signal was sent by the operational duty officer of the Ministry of Interior about the presence of a drone in the area of the beach north of the lighthouse on Cape Shabla. A specialised team was sent to the site and established that the aerial drone probably fell into the sea and was subsequently thrown ashore. “There are no inscriptions on its hull, it is classified as a Russian Gerbera – 2,” the Ministry of Defence said, adding that the drone was destroyed on site after establishing that it did not carry explosives.
For more information
Ministry of Defence – Bulgaria
Image: The grounded drone discovered on 6 November. (Ministry of Defence – Bulgaria)
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