site.btaBulgarian Defence Minister, German Ambassador Discuss Bilateral Defence Cooperation

Bulgaria’s Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov and Germany’s Ambassador in Sofia, Irene Plank, Monday discussed ways to expand bilateral defence cooperation, Zapryanov’s Ministry said in a press release.

The discussions centred on allied relations within the European Union and NATO and the importance of coordination and constructive dialogue in achieving shared goals. The sides also discussed the fast-moving security environment and the prospects for the development of collective defence. Zapryanov and Plank reviewed the military and technical assistance provided to Ukraine so far, stressing the need for its continuation.

The modernization of the Bulgarian Armed Forces and the project for the acquisition of IRIS-T air defence missile systems were also high on the meeting’s agenda. In September 2024, the Defence Ministries of Bulgaria and Germany signed a programme agreement for the joint purchase of IRIS-T SLM missile systems under the Memorandum of Understanding on the joint purchase of ground-based air defence systems within the framework of the European Sky Shield Initiative. 

Zapryanov and Plank examined prospects for the defence industry in the context of the European Union initiatives and explored opportunities for cooperation and joint projects.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Defence Minister Adelina Nikolova, the Deputy Chief of Defence, Lieutenant General Krasimir Kanev, and Deputy Ambassador of Germany in Bulgaria Stefan Roecken, the press release added.