site.btaParliament Ratifies at Second Reading International Treaty for Acquisition of Communications Security Equipment

With 161 votes in favour, 33 against (Vazrazhdane), and 19 abstentions (Velichie, MECh), Parliament ratified the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) BU-P-LBI for the acquisition of communications security equipment, drafted in connection with the implementation of the Ministry of Defence's priority updated investment expenditure project for the acquisition of a multi-purpose modular patrol vessel for the Navy, adopted by decision of the 44th National Assembly.

The contract for the construction of the two multi-purpose modular patrol vessels provides for part of the equipment to be provided by the Ministry of Defence to the contractor, NVL (Naval Vessels Lürssen).

With the implementation of the international contract project, the newly-built ships will acquire communications security equipment and capabilities to conduct secure exchange of tactical data with the alliance's ship platforms and aircraft, via Link-22 systems installed on board, according to the report of the defence committee, read out by its chairman Hristo Gadzhev (GERB-UDF). These systems are classified Communications Security (COMSEC) equipment that can only be acquired from the US government, under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme.

The Link-22 format tactical data exchange systems provide networked, secure, and adaptive communications for command, control, situational awareness, target designation, and target allocation to military platforms or ground-based command posts. 

With the ratified contract, the Navy will acquire the cryptographic Link-22 tactical data exchange capability it needs to equip its new multirole modular patrol ships.

The scope of the contract, in addition to the acquisition of the communications security equipment, also provides for training, provision of engineering and technical assistance, and annual maintenance.

The contract has a total value of USD 1,427,062 excluding VAT. Under the terms of the contract, the communications security equipment is to be delivered by the end of the fourth quarter of 2025.