Bulgaria plans to join NATO project to counter low-altitude threats by end of October
Bulgaria plans to join the NATO project to counter low-altitude air threats by 30 October 2026. At the same time, the country is preparing to procure 20 anti-drone systems with a total value of 80 million euros as part of another allied initiative.
This is reported by Censor.NET, citing Novinite, which quotes Bulgarian Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov.
The head of the defence ministry made the statement on 14 October during parliamentary hearings on the country’s participation in NATO air defence programmes.
According to Stoyanov, Bulgaria has not withdrawn from the Drone Edge initiative, which involves the development and joint procurement of anti-drone systems.
The country has committed to allocating 80 million euros towards the purchase of 20 systems – ten mobile and ten fixed installations. The procurement is to be carried out through the European SAFE mechanism.
To this end, Sofia is preparing to sign a memorandum of understanding with Spain regarding the joint procurement of equipment.
"I have never said that Bulgaria would withdraw from the Drone Edge initiative. We expect to sign a memorandum of understanding with Spain at any moment regarding the joint procurement of these systems," the minister emphasised.
Participation in the second NATO project will cost 220,000 euros a year
Stoyanov clarified that Drone Edge and the NATO project to counter low-altitude aerial threats are two separate initiatives.
Bulgaria has not yet officially joined the second project. Participation in the project requires a mandatory annual contribution of 220,000 euros.
According to the minister, Sofia had previously postponed the decision due to the need to assess the financial implications for the state budget.
"The Ministry of Defence believes that we can afford this amount and that Bulgaria will join the project very soon," said Stoyanov.
He said that they plan to take the necessary steps to join by 30 October.
In addition to procurement, the Drone Edge initiative involves training operators of counter-drone systems. Bulgaria has stated its readiness to organise such training for its personnel in 2027.
