Bulgarian Defense Minister Todor Tagarev unveiled Bulgaria’s defence industry’s pivotal role in supporting Ukraine’s military efforts.
The disclosure shed light on the significant contributions made by Bulgaria, channelling a substantial portion of its defence industry output to Ukraine.
A noteworthy aspect of this collaboration is the provision of military aid packages that encompass Soviet-era systems and ammunition.
Despite their age, these weapons are hailed for their reliable functionality, requiring no additional training for the Ukrainian military—a testament to the enduring quality of Soviet-era equipment.
The Ukrainian Military Portal reported on the efficiency and effectiveness of these weapons in enhancing Ukraine’s defence capabilities.
Minister Tagarev underscored Bulgaria’s specialization in producing ammunition and small weapons, a legacy dating back to the Soviet era.
He revealed that the Bulgarian defence industry operates nearly round-the-clock, dedicating a considerable proportion of its production to Ukraine through direct channels or intermediaries.
Looking to the future, Minister Tagarev outlined the Bulgarian defence industry’s commitment to continue producing ammunition adhering to Soviet standards.
Additionally, plans are in motion to establish new production facilities geared towards manufacturing NATO-standard ammunition, particularly in 155 and 105 millimetres.
Several Bulgarian companies have submitted applications for investments under the “Act of Assistance to the Production of Ammunition” (ASAP), a specialized European Commission program to support these ambitious plans.
The ASAP program allocates funds to support investment projects aiming to boost the production of ammunition and missiles within the European Union.
Minister Tagarev emphasized that the new investments primarily focus on producing 155mm ammunition, aligning with the current demand.
Through a parliamentary decision, he also disclosed that Bulgaria had supplied Ukraine with over 800 armoured personnel carriers and had conducted various training programs.
These training initiatives include a two-month language training program for Ukrainian sailors within the NATO program, held in Varna and Sofia.
Bulgaria has plans to expand its training programs, initiating training for an infantry company with potential annual expansions.
Combat medic training has also been extended to Ukraine, showcasing Bulgaria’s comprehensive support for Ukraine’s military capabilities.
In a significant development, Bulgaria has expressed its desire to join the F-16 coalition, bringing additional expertise.
The proposed contributions include language training for pilots, engineering, and air traffic controllers, basic training for maintenance personnel, and F-16-specific training.
However, it’s noted that Bulgaria currently lacks a specific platform expected by Ukraine, highlighting potential areas for future collaboration.
In a related context, last fall, Bulgarian weapons magnate Emilian Gebrev, who survived two Russian murder attempts, raised concerns about alleged Russian preparations to sabotage Bulgarian defence industry enterprises.
The objective was purported to disrupt the supply chain of weapons to Ukraine, underscoring the geopolitical complexities surrounding Bulgaria’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defence efforts.
As Bulgaria continues to forge alliances and strengthen its defence capabilities, the collaboration with Ukraine stands out as a testament to the enduring bonds between nations, navigating challenges while bolstering regional security.
The evolving dynamics underscore Bulgaria’s strategic position and commitment to shaping a resilient and capable defence industry.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members