Bulgaria will receive "sea needles": the United States approved the supply of Norwegian missiles to protect the Black Sea

 

Naval Strike Missile (NSM)

Bulgaria is seriously taking up the protection of its coast. The country will receive a new powerful coastal defense system, the Norwegian—made Naval Strike Missile (NSM). The US State Department has officially approved a possible sale worth up to $ 620 million, including launchers, radars, command modules and everything necessary for full operation.

What kind of "beast" is NSM?  

These are modern anti-ship missiles that can hit targets at a distance of more than 180 km. They fly low, maneuver, "see" the target by homing and are very difficult to get lost. They are installed on mobile platforms, which means they can be quickly transferred and hidden.

Why does Bulgaria need such a system?  

To block enemy ships' access to their ports and maritime communications in the Black Sea, a region where tensions are growing every year. Especially after the events around Ukraine. Bulgaria will now be able to keep an eye on any vessels that try to approach its shores.

Plus— it is fully compatible with NATO. NSM is already used by the USA, Norway, Poland and other allies. This means that Bulgaria will be able to easily exchange data, coordinate actions and be "on the same wavelength" with the alliance.

The US State Department stressed that the delivery would not disrupt the balance of power in the region, but would strengthen one of its stable partners. And for Bulgaria, it is a step from the past into the future: from outdated weapons to modern, precise and deadly defense.

Now it remains to wait for the deal to be officially concluded. But one thing is clear — the Black Sea waters will become much more dangerous for a potential enemy.