The State Department has decided to approve the possible sale of a coastal defense system with sea-attack missiles and related equipment to the Bulgarian government, worth approximately $620 million.

This decision was announced by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), which notifies Congress of this potential sale.

The Bulgarian government has requested to purchase a coastal defense system with sea strike missiles (NSM CDS), including three (3) multifunctional Link-16 information dissemination systems – joint tactical radio systems (MIDS-JTRS) and the following non-MDE items: tactical sea strike missiles (NSM); inert NSMs for processing; telemetry NSMs; operational, inert NSMs; mobile fire control centers with associated communications equipment; mobile missile launchers with associated communications equipment; NSM transport vehicles; NavStrike-M global positioning system receiver; operator training consoles; Simple Key Loaders (SKL); and related support, including but not limited to technical publications, training documentation, technical data packages, maintenance equipment, spare parts for software support, training, training simulators, integration services, and technical assistance from the US government and the original equipment manufacturer; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The total value is estimated at $620 million.

The proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO ally that is an important force for political and economic stability in Europe.

The proposed sale will improve Bulgaria's ability to respond to current and future threats by providing a reliable force capable of deterring adversaries and participating in NATO operations. The proposed sale will support its goal of improving national and territorial defense, as well as interoperability with US and NATO forces. Bulgaria will have no difficulty integrating this equipment and services into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region, the DSCA said.

The prime contractor will be Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace AS, based in Kongsberg, Norway. At this time, the US government is not aware of any proposed compensation agreements related to this potential sale. Any compensation agreement will be determined in negotiations between the buyer and the contractor.

The implementation of this proposed sale will require the temporary assignment of three to five representatives of the US government and the contractor to Bulgaria for up to five years.

The proposed sale will not adversely affect US defense readiness.

The description and dollar value are for the highest approximate quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. The actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales contracts, if and when concluded. | BGNES