On August 24, an interdepartmental meeting was held in Bulgaria to discuss the acquisition of 7 new 3D radars for modernizing the country’s armed forces and improving airspace surveillance. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Minister of Defense Stanimir Georgiev and Colonel Dimitar Georgiev. Five leading defense companies—Lockheed Martin, Leonardo, Elta, Indra, and Thales—presented their radar proposals.
The interdepartmental working group includes representatives from the Air Force, as well as from the ministries of Defense, Transport, Innovation and Growth, and Economy and Industry. The commission sent out letters to eight companies, three of which did not submit proposals. During the meeting, five defense companies presented their proposals. The competing companies are Lockheed Martin from the United States, Leonardo from Italy, Elta from Israel, Indra from Spain, and Thales from France. Each company submitted a proposal based on the tender sent out by the Bulgarian side.
The project involves the purchase of seven new 3D radars, staff training, a minimum of 24 months of warranty support, and integrated logistical support for the next five years. The estimated cost of the project is around 221 million USD. After evaluating the proposals, negotiations will be initiated with the selected company to finalize the contract.
Five international defense companies have submitted their proposals, showcasing their expertise and technological solutions. Among the competitors are Lockheed Martin from the United States, Leonardo from Italy, Elta from Israel, Indra from Spain, and Thales from France. Each of these companies is a major player in the field of radar technology and defense, offering diverse options in terms of cost, operational capabilities, and maintenance. The final selection will be based on multiple criteria, including acquisition and maintenance costs, industrial cooperation, and service guarantees.