The new models of weapons according to NATO standards are being introduced into the Bulgarian Army at the present time, stated the outgoing Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov in response to a question from the MP from "Vazrazhdane" Dimcho Dimchev. The answer is published on the parliament's website.
The MP's question is about whether the Ministry of Defense plans to replace the main light small arms of the military personnel, which is currently equipped with ammunition according to Soviet standards.
The complete replacement of all small arms systems in service with new ones requires the availability of significant financial resources, which, unfortunately, the Bulgarian side cannot provide at once. For this purpose, it was necessary to reschedule the deliveries of the new systems, which allowed to reduce the financial pressure, while at the same time leading to the complete replacement of the old systems with new ones according to NATO standards, explains the Minister of Defense.
Following an analysis conducted at the Defense Headquarters, the need for the receipt of new weapons was prioritized, with priority being given to the formations of the Land Forces, the Special Operations Forces and the Military Police Service. As a result, new weapons systems were adopted in the specified structures, and the existing Russian systems were replaced with new ones that have a caliber according to NATO standards, Atanas Zapryanov replied.
The Minister also points out that the process of fully transitioning to calibers according to NATO standards is irreversible, is currently being implemented, and the time horizon for its full achievement depends entirely on the allocated financial resources.
Atanas Zapryanov gives as an example the upcoming adoption of armament in the Land Forces of the new armored combat vehicle “Stryker”, where the armament is entirely according to NATO standards.
The first five “Stryker“ combat vehicles and auxiliary equipment and machinery will be delivered by the end of February, the Ministry of Defense informed at the beginning of the month.
The modernization of the Bulgarian Army has not stopped, but the extended budget does not provide the funds for 2026, which we must spend to pay for current projects, the minister said a few days ago. At that time, he pointed out that in the regular budget, which should have been adopted, there were funds allocated for the second eight F-16 aircraft, for the “Stryker“ combat vehicles, for the “Iris“ system and for the ships, but this money is not in the extended budget. Zapryanov commented that the modernization projects will have to be renegotiated in order to postpone the payment deadlines.