Defence Ministry: New 3D radars to strengthen Bulgaria's Black Sea security - EXCLUSIVE
Bulgaria's acquisition of next-generation 3D radar systems will significantly strengthen the country's air defence capabilities, improve interoperability with NATO, and support the long-term modernization of its armed forces while creating new opportunities for the domestic defence industry.
This was said by the source in the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence in an exclusive interview with CE Report.
The new 3D radar systems will replace aging equipment dating back to the last century that is nearing the end of its operational life. According to the source, the acquisition will enable the Bulgarian Air Force to transition to fully digital, next-generation technology, bringing its radar capabilities in line with modern operational standards.
One of the key advantages of the new systems will be their full integration with NATO's Integrated Air and Missile Defence System (NATINAMDS), allowing real-time operational compatibility, seamless procedural coordination and secure information exchange with allied forces.
The new radars will also provide airspace surveillance capabilities that meet current operational requirements and Bulgaria's commitments regarding radar coverage. They are designed to detect a wide range of modern aerial threats, including low-flying, high-speed targets with small radar cross-sections, unmanned aerial systems and cruise missiles.
In addition, the radar systems are expected to operate effectively in adverse weather conditions and under heavy electromagnetic interference. Their mobility and maneuverability will further enhance their resilience and effectiveness during combat operations.
The systems will also become part of a unified command and control information network, enabling closer coordination between air defence and missile defence assets during military operations.
The source noted that the radar acquisition project is among the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence's priority investment programmes included in the National Plan for Investments in the European Defence Industry under the European Union's Security Action for Europe (SAFE) Instrument.
The project will be implemented through a joint procurement with France, with French defence company Thales serving as the main contractor. To maximize the participation of Bulgaria's domestic defence sector, Bulgarian company Balkantel has been selected as a subcontractor and will carry out a substantial share of the project's side-contract activities.
According to the source, the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence considers military modernization and the development of the national defence industry to be closely interconnected objectives. The ministry aims to use major procurement programmes to promote industrial cooperation, technology transfer, the integration of Bulgarian companies into international supply chains and the establishment of long-term partnerships with leading global defence firms.
The source added that investments under the SAFE instrument are expected to strengthen the production and technological capabilities of Bulgaria's defence industry, create highly skilled jobs and enhance both national and European defence resilience.
Photo: Wikipedia
This interview was prepared by Laura Hoffman
