Bulgaria approves major US Stryker armored vehicles purchase.

On November 9, 2023, the Bulgarian Parliament approved the purchase of 183 Stryker armored vehicles from the United States, marking a significant milestone in the nation's defense strategy. The decision, supported by a majority of 135 votes against 55 with two abstentions, faced opposition from the pro-Kremlin Vuzrazhdane party and the Bulgarian Socialist Party. The US had validated this sale to Bulgaria on September 1, 2023.
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 XM1296 Infantry Carrier Vehicles - Dragoon (Picture source: US DoD)

This defense initiative encompasses not just the acquisition of these combat vehicles but also auxiliary vehicles, along with communication and information systems. The total cost for the vehicles is estimated at around 2.2 billion leva (1.12 billion euros), with an additional 300 million leva (153.38 million euros) for ammunition. Thus, Bulgaria is set to receive a diverse array of Stryker vehicles in this deal with the United States.

Key components of this acquisition include ninety XM1296 Infantry Carrier Vehicles - Dragoon, adapted for infantry transport with enhanced armament and armor, ideal for combat support. Additionally, seventeen M1126 Infantry Carrier Vehicles will be acquired, designed for transporting infantry units and providing fire support on the battlefield.

Furthermore, the Bulgarian order includes nine M1132 Engineer Squad Vehicles, specialized for engineering tasks like obstacle clearance or infrastructure repair in combat conditions. Thirty-three M1130 Command Vehicles, equipped with advanced communication and command systems, will serve crucial roles as mobile command posts.

The deal also involves twenty-four M1133 Medical Evacuation Vehicles, designed for medical support and casualty evacuation. Lastly, ten M1135 Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicles are included, specializing in detecting and assessing nuclear, biological, and chemical threats.

The payment plan for this procurement is structured over several years, starting in 2023 and concluding in 2027, with significant payments of 600 million leva each in 2024 and 2025. The first delivery of these vehicles is expected at the beginning of 2025, with the final batch arriving in the first quarter of 2028.

Defense Minister Todor Tagarev, addressing the National Assembly, highlighted that this acquisition is a pivotal step in the modernization of the Bulgarian armed forces. He credited the effort as the cumulative result of the work of numerous ministers and officials at the Ministry of Defense over the years. Furthermore, Tagarev announced plans for the establishment of a dedicated maintenance center for these vehicles at the Terem arms plant. This facility is intended not only for servicing Bulgaria's fleet but is also projected to serve as a regional maintenance hub for Stryker vehicles across Europe.