US authorizes possible $620 million sale of naval strike missile systems to Bulgaria

July 22, 2025, by Aida Čučuk

The U.S. State Department has approved a possible foreign military sale to the Government of Bulgaria of naval strike missile coastal defense system (NSM CDS) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $620 million.

As disclosed, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying the U.S. Congress of this possible sale on July 21, 2025.

It is understood that Bulgaria requested to buy an NSM CDS, including three Link-16 multifunctional information distribution system – joint tactical radio systems (MIDS-JTRS), and the following non-major defense equipment (non-MDE) items: tactical naval strike missiles (NSM), inert NSM handling, telemetered NSM, operational, inert NSM, mobile fire control centers with associated communications equipment, mobile missile launch vehicles with associated communications equipment, NSM transport loading vehicles, NavStrike-M global positioning system receiver, operator trainer consoles, simple key loaders (SKL), and associated support.

The acquisition is expected to enhance Bulgaria’s ability to address current and emerging threats, and to support its goal of improving national and territorial defense as well as interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces. In addition, it is said to align with U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives.

To note, the implementation of this proposed sale will reportedly require the temporary duty travel of three to five U.S. government and contractor representatives to Bulgaria for a duration of up to five years.

It is worth mentioning that in 2025, the U.S. State Department also authorized a potential foreign military sale to the Government of Egypt for the modernization of fast missile craft. Furthermore, it approved a potential $2.19 billion foreign military sale to the Netherlands involving advanced Tomahawk land attack missiles and a broad suite of related defense equipment and support services.

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