US Approves $1.5 Billion Military Sale of Stryker 8x8 Armored Vehicles to Bulgaria.

Washington, United States, September 1, 2023 - The United States State Department has given the nod for a significant Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria. This potential sale, valued at an estimated $1.5 billion, encompasses Stryker 8x8 armored vehicles in a variety of configurations, coupled with related equipment.
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A U.S. Army M1296 Dragoon, assigned to the 2d Cavalry Regiment, conducts a patrol during Dragoon Ready 23 (DR 23) at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, Jan. 27, 2023. (Picture source U.S. DoD)

Bulgaria has shown keen interest in procuring a total of one hundred eighty-three (183) vehicles from the Stryker Family. This proposed acquisition includes ninety M1296 Infantry Carrier Vehicles – Dragoon (ICVD), seventeen M1126 Infantry Carrier Vehicles (ICV), nine M1132 Engineer Squad Vehicles (ESV), thirty-three M1130 Command Vehicles (CV), twenty-four M1133 Medical Evacuation Vehicles (MEV), ten M1135 Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicles (NBCRV), among others. Additionally, the deal incorporates support service equipment, communication tools, spare parts, training services, and other related logistics and program support components.

- M1296 Infantry Carrier Vehicles – Dragoon (ICVD): A modern infantry carrier equipped with enhanced firepower and mobility features, designed to transport infantry squads safely across various terrains. The vehicle is fitted with an unmanned turret armed with one Mk.44 Bushmaster II 30 mm automatic cannon and one 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.

- M1126 Infantry Carrier Vehicles (ICV): Primarily used for the safe transportation of infantry to the battlefield, offering protection against small arms fire, artillery shell splinters, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.

- M1132 Engineer Squad Vehicles (ESV): Tailored for engineer squads, this variant provides mobility, protection, and the necessary tools for engineers to execute their missions, including obstacle clearance and mine detection.

- M1130 Command Vehicles (CV): A command and control variant, equipped with advanced communication systems, allowing commanders to maintain situational awareness and control over their units.

- M1133 Medical Evacuation Vehicles (MEV): Designed for medical evacuation missions, this variant ensures the safe and rapid transport of injured personnel from the battlefield to medical facilities.

- M1135 Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicles (NBCRV): Specialized for detecting and responding to nuclear, biological, or chemical threats, ensuring the safety of troops in contaminated environments.

This strategic move is aimed at bolstering Bulgaria’s rapid infantry deployment and force projection capabilities. With this enhanced capability, Bulgaria aims to fortify its homeland defense mechanisms and deter potential regional threats. The integration of this equipment and services into the Bulgarian armed forces is anticipated to be seamless.

General Dynamics Land Systems, based in Anniston, AL, is slated to be the principal contractor for this deal. As of now, there are no known offset agreements linked with this potential sale.

To ensure smooth implementation, twenty Stryker contractor representatives will be dispatched to Bulgaria for a span of twenty-four months. Their primary responsibilities will encompass contractor logistics support, training, and component assembly support.

Defense News September 2023