Saab Wins BULATSA Contract for I-ATS at Three Bulgarian Airports

Swedish defense and security company Saab has secured a contract with the Bulgarian Air Traffic Services Authority (BULATSA) to deploy its latest Integrated Air Traffic Control Suite (I-ATS) across three commercial airports in Bulgaria.

Announced in a press release on September 16, 2026, the agreement aims to modernize air traffic management at Sofia, Varna, and Burgas airports. The technology upgrade will ensure BULATSA operations comply with European Common Project One (CP1) requirements while providing tower and approach controllers with a scalable platform for future airspace demands.

Modernizing Bulgarian airspace infrastructure

BULATSA currently relies on Terminal Approach Radars at Sofia, Varna, and Burgas airports to manage controlled airspace. Sofia Airport already utilizes an earlier iteration of an Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS), which was provided in part by Saab Technologies.

The newly signed contract will replace and upgrade these existing capabilities. Saab will deliver the latest version of I-ATS, which features an updated Human-Machine Interface (HMI) designed to improve controller situational awareness and workflow. Additionally, Sofia Airport will receive a completely new A-SMGCS installation to enhance surface movement tracking and ground safety.

Strengthening the Saab and BULATSA partnership

The deployment builds on existing relationships between the Swedish manufacturer and the Bulgarian air navigation service provider. Saab representatives indicated that the new systems will future-proof BULATSA operations as European airspace requirements evolve.

Cecilia Larsson, Head of Saab Air Traffic Management, highlighted the collaborative nature of the infrastructure upgrade.

“The agreement strengthens the long-standing partnership between Saab and BULATSA, reaffirming the shared commitment to delivering advanced air traffic management capabilities in Bulgaria. We look forward to the continued journey towards safe and efficient air traffic control.”

AirPro News analysis

We note that compliance with European Common Project One (CP1) is a primary driving factor for air navigation service providers across the continent right now. By upgrading to the latest I-ATS and A-SMGCS standards, BULATSA is aligning its infrastructure with broader Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) deployment goals. These mandates require the synchronized modernization of air traffic management systems to handle future capacity constraints and meet stringent environmental targets.

Sources: Saab AB