New variant of Piranha IFV displayed at HEMUS exhibition 2018.

General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) will present a new variant of its advanced 8x8 wheeled infantry fighting vehicle Piranha IFV at the XIII International Defence Exhibition HEMUS 2018 taking place between May 30 and June 2 in Plodiv, Bulgaria.

The Piranha IFV will be fitted with the latest Elbit UT30 Mk.2 unmanned turret armed with an Orbital ATK Armament Systems 30 mm MK44 dual feed cannon, 7.62 mm co-axial MG, a pod of two anti-tank guided weapons (ATGW) and an advanced digital Communication and Information System (CIS) from General Dynamics Mission Systems. (Picture source: General Dynamics European Land Systems)

The Piranha IFV will be fitted with the latest Elbit UT30 Mk.2 unmanned turret armed with an Orbital ATK Armament Systems 30 mm MK44 dual feed cannon, 7.62 mm co-axial MG, a pod of two anti-tank guided weapons (ATGW) and an advanced digital Communication and Information System (CIS) from General Dynamics Mission Systems. The vehicle is a candidate for the Bulgarian Army’s Battalion Battle Group (BBG) acquisition project. “It is key for us to present to our customer various options of armament systems, so he can choose the optimum for his specific needs,” said Thomas Kauffmann, General Dynamics European Land Systems Vice President International Business & Services.

In 2017 General Dynamics European Land Systems presented the Piranha IFV with a medium calibre armament system from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to the Bulgarian army at the military polygon Tylbeto near the city of Kazanlak, Bulgaria.

The Piranha is one of the most successful Western 8x8 wheeled armoured vehicle in the world. More than 12,000 vehicles of its family are in service with 20 user nations including Canada, the United States and European countries like Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Romania, Spain, and Switzerland.

General Dynamics European Land Systems has developed a tailor-made industrial participation and growth strategy for Bulgarian companies, which will create sustainable business opportunities. At this years’s Hemus exhibition, General Dynamics European Land Systems and General Dynamics Mission Systems will sign collaboration arrangements with various key Bulgarian industry partners with regard to the upcoming BBG acquisition project. “Over the last three years in Bulgaria we have developed a strong team of local companies and partners to be able to respond to the BBG project not only with a superior vehicle offering but also to offer unmatched economic benefits to Bulgaria and its local industry,” said Thomas Kauffmann.