Bulgaria approves agreement for acquisition of javelin guided anti-tank missiles.

Sofia: On January 15, 2025, the Bulgarian government approved an international agreement for the acquisition of Javelin-guided anti-tank missiles as part of the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, according to a statement from the Council of Ministers. The approval of this agreement is subject to ratification by the National Assembly.

This acquisition agreement (Letter of Offer and Acceptance – LOA) will complement the already signed contract for the purchase of Stryker armored vehicles, a key element in Bulgaria’s ongoing efforts to enhance its mechanized brigade capabilities. The overall goal of this project is to equip the Bulgarian land forces with modern and integrated systems necessary for the formation of brigade-sized mechanized battalions, thus strengthening the country’s overall defense preparedness.

The Javelin is a guided anti-tank missile developed by the United States, designed to be operated by two soldiers. Weighing 11.8 kg, it is relatively lightweight and compact, measuring 1.08 meters in length and having a diameter of 126 mm. This missile is primarily intended for use against armored targets, with a firing range between 2,500 and 4,750 meters, making it an effective tool for neutralizing armored vehicles at a distance.

The Javelin uses a passive guidance system for target acquisition and fire control, integrated with a day and thermal sight that allows for image magnification with 4x magnification in day mode and 4x or 9x in thermal mode. This technology ensures optimal engagement capability in reduced visibility conditions or at night. The missile is equipped with a tandem-shaped charge warhead designed to penetrate modern armor, particularly those with reactive layers.

Regarding its use, the Javelin is deployed by several countries worldwide, including Australia, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Latvia, Estonia, and many others. This portable and efficient weapon system is a strategic choice for many operators due to its ability to be used in diverse environments and its proven effectiveness against modern armored vehicles. The launch unit, weighing 6.4 kg, enables soldiers to quickly carry and deploy the system, making the Javelin a valuable asset on the battlefield.

The acquisition of the Stryker armored vehicles represented a significant milestone in Bulgaria’s military modernization program. A coordination meeting held in September 2024 brought together all stakeholders involved in this process, including senior defense officials. This meeting, chaired by Acting Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov, marked an important step in aligning the various components of the project, ensuring a coordinated approach for the implementation of these essential acquisitions.

The inclusion of the Javelin missiles further strengthens Bulgaria’s defense capabilities by providing state-of-the-art anti-tank weapons, crucial for the country’s security objectives.