site.btaParliament Ratifies Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles Acquisition Contract

Bulgaria's Parliament Friday voted, 164-43, to pass a bill ratifying an international contract for the acquisition of Javelin anti-tank guided missiles. The bill was approved at two readings within the same plenary sitting. The votes in favour came from GERB-UDF, Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria, Movement for Rights and Freedoms - New Beginning, BSP - United Left, Democracy, Rights and Freedoms -DRF, There Is Such a People, and Velichie. Those against were from Vazrazhdane, Morality, Unity, Honour (MECh), and one MP of Democracy, Rights and Freedoms - DRF.

The Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) BU-B-UCQ will ensure the supply of missiles for the anti-tank systems of Stryker combat and reconnaissance vehicles and will support the training and maintenance of capabilities for participation in operations to safeguard national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, according to the bill's reasoning. The LOA meets the requirements of the US Foreign Military Sales Program. 

The LOA covers the acquisition of anti-tank guided missiles; a lightweight missile launcher command module; maintenance equipment; manuals; missile-related software; supporting documentation; maintenance until February 2035; training for use; and training of munitions systems specialists.

The value of the acquisition totals USD 82,762,140 before VAT. This amount is consistent with the financial and economic parameters set in a project for an investment expenditure on the acquisition of basic combat equipment for the formation of mechanized-battalion-size battlegroups in the part regarding the acquisition of Javelin anti-tank guided missiles.