# Bulgaria Commits €80M to Counter-Drone Systems

Bulgaria has committed **€80 million** through the EU’s SAFE mechanism to jointly acquire 20 counter-drone systems with Spain—10 mobile and 10 stationary—under NATO’s Drone Edge initiative. Separately, Bulgaria plans to join a three-year NATO project to develop capabilities against low-altitude aerial threats, with an annual contribution of €220,000, and expects to join by **October 30, 2026 (15 days away)**. The signals report no open solicitation or named suppliers; a memorandum of understanding with Spain was expected imminently as of October 14.

- The planned system acquisition and capability-development project are distinct activities: one funds equipment procurement, while the other supports a NATO initiative with a recurring annual contribution.
- Contractors in counter-UAS systems and related development may find future acquisition or system-development opportunities as the joint procurement advances; no current bid opportunity is identified.
- Bulgaria’s planned participation deadline is October 30. Companies should not treat the reported commitment or planned memorandum as an award or open solicitation.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 14, 2026

### Government Entities
- North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
- European Union (EU)
- Bulgarian Ministry of Defence
- Spain

### Key Quotes
> We expect to sign a memorandum of understanding with Spain at any moment regarding the joint procurement of these systems.
> — Dimitar Stoyanov, Defence Minister

### Sources
- [Bulgaria has committed EUR 80 Mln to NATO's Drone Edge initiative - AZERTAC](https://azertag.az/en/xeber/bulgaria_has_committed_eur_80_mln_to_nato_039s_drone_edge_initiative-4462176) - azərtac
- [Bulgaria plans to join a NATO project to counter air threats by 30 October | Censor.NET](https://censor.net/en/news/4028427/bulgaria-plans-to-join-a-nato-project-to-counter-air-threats-by-30-october) - Цензор.НЕТ