Bulgaria is gearing up to spend $620 million on bolstering its littoral defences by buying Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile Coastal Defence System (NSM CDS).
The announcement was made public via the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), after the U.S. State Department approved the potential sale and notified Congress.
Under the terms of the potential deal struck with its government, alongside the missiles and launch platforms Bulgaria will also acquire three tactical radio systems, as well as fire control systems and NSM loading vehicles.
The deal would also take in a training and logistical support package which would see contractors on-site in Bulgaria for up to five years while the system is integrated.
The DSCA press statement noted: “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… improving national and territorial defence as well as interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces.”
America, Poland, and Romania already field the NSM CDS, a surface-to-surface missile system capable of multiple simultaneous target engagement and over the horizon (OTH) targeting.
They are primarily designed to be used against surface ships but can also be used against land targets if required. The projectiles can be sea-skimming, carry a 120kg explosive warhead, and fly just under the speed of sound. The missile has a range of about 115 miles.
Latvia also agreed a similar acquisition deal at the end of 2023 and delivery of its NSM CDS system is expected in 2027.
Many other nations also use ship-based versions of the NSM, including Norway, Malaysia, Germany, Canada, Australia, Spain, the U.K., and the Netherlands.
- You can read more details on the DSCA website and more about the NSM CDS on the Kongsberg website