Bulgaria delays shipment of 100 APCs to Ukraine due to logistic costs.

On December 8, 2023, the Bulgarian government announced its approval to send 100 Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) vehicles from its current military inventory to Ukraine. This proposed donation carries an additional strategic advantage for Bulgaria, as it opens the possibility of receiving military equipment and combat vehicles from the United States in exchange for their military aid to Ukraine. However, as of today, the promised vehicles have not yet been delivered to the Ukrainian army.
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The proposed APCs, which are currently in service with the Bulgarian army, include the BTR-60PB-MD, a Bulgarian variant of the Soviet-made BTR-60PB (Picture source: Wikimedia)

To date, the 100 armored troop transport vehicles (APCs) have not been delivered to Ukraine, despite the Bulgarian government's approval on December 8, 2023. The delay in the delivery of this military aid is primarily attributed to high logistical costs and the complexity of the operation. The Bulgarian government is actively exploring financing options for the shipment and also hopes that other allies of Ukraine may contribute financially to this crucial initiative. Additionally, it seems that the Bulgarian government is linking the delivery of APCs to the acquisition of Bradley IFVs by the US Department of Defense.

If the donation proceeds, it will represent the largest military aid package from Bulgaria to Ukraine to date. The Bulgarian Parliament had already approved military aid to Ukraine on November 3, 2022, with a commitment to finalize the details in the following month.

Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Bulgaria has already dispatched an undisclosed number of T-72M1 tanks, delivered via the Czech Republic, along with 152mm and 155mm artillery shells. The latter was procured by the United States from Bulgaria and began delivery in March 2023.

The proposed APCs, which are currently in service with the Bulgarian army, include the tracked armored MT-LB and the BTR-60PB-MD, a Bulgarian variant of the Soviet-made BTR-60PB. The upgraded BTR-60PB-MD features smoke grenade launchers, a diesel engine, night vision equipment, a new NBC system, and modern radios. Bulgaria is going to refurbish them including replacing the powerplant.

The MT-LB is a Soviet multi-purpose fully amphibious auxiliary armored tracked vehicle that has been extensively utilized by various countries since its introduction in the 1960s. Capable of performing diverse roles such as an armored personnel carrier, command vehicle, recovery vehicle, and more, the MT-LB remains a valuable asset to many militaries due to its adaptability and robust design.