Bulgaria's Defense Leap: Procuring 183 Stryker Armoured Fighting Vehicles for Enhanced Security

In a groundbreaking move, the Bulgarian Parliament has recently approved a substantial defense spending package of approximately USD 1.38 billion (EUR 1.3 billion), excluding VAT. This decisive initiative centers around acquiring state-of-the-art combat equipment, with a strong focus on securing 183 Stryker Armoured Fighting Vehicles from the United States. This strategic decision reflects Bulgaria's commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities and ensuring robust regional security.

The approval for this significant procurement closely follows the U.S. State Department's endorsement on September 1, 2023, for a Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria. The proposed sale encompasses a diverse array of Stryker Family of Vehicles, underscoring the commitment of both nations to bolstering bilateral defense ties.

Scheduled for initial delivery in the third quarter of 2025, the 183 Stryker armored vehicles will be distributed in subsequent tranches over the following two years at a rate of ten per month. The entire delivery process is projected to conclude by the first quarter of 2028, marking a crucial milestone in Bulgaria’s dedication to enhancing defense capabilities and ensuring enduring regional stability.

This comprehensive procurement includes a range of Stryker variants, such as Infantry Carrier Vehicles – Dragoon (ICVD), Infantry Carrier Vehicles (ICV), Engineer Squad Vehicles (ESV), Command Vehicles (CV), Medical Evacuation Vehicles (MEV), Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicles (NBCRV), Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) Light Equipment Transports (LET), Modular Catastrophic Recovery Systems (MCRS), and various support service equipment like machine guns, weapons stations, repair systems, and communications equipment.

The Stryker, a family of eight-wheeled armored fighting vehicles, originates from the Canadian LAV III and is manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada for the United States Army. Its modular design accommodates a diverse range of variants, with the primary chassis being the Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV). Notably, the M1296 Dragoon, armed with 30 mm Mk44 Bushmaster II cannons, emerges as a formidable contender for Bulgaria’s New IFV Program.

This procurement not only underscores Bulgaria's commitment to advanced defense capabilities but also emphasizes the strategic importance of Stryker Armoured Fighting Vehicles in maintaining a delicate balance between heavy armor and infantry. As Bulgaria takes this significant leap forward in defense, the acquisition of the Stryker vehicles is poised to play a pivotal role in fortifying the nation's security landscape.