Teledyne FLIR Defense is embarking on a significant contract to enhance Bulgaria’s military capabilities through the delivery and integration of advanced reconnaissance surveillance kits for the country’s Stryker infantry carrier vehicles. This development comes under a three-year contract valued at up to $32 million, awarded by the US Army, which aims to modernize Bulgaria’s military infrastructure.
The core of the surveillance kits will include Teledyne’s TacFLIR 280-HDEP electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) imaging system, capable of detecting, identifying, and tracking potential threats over medium ranges. This system is designed to perform effectively in various conditions, including thermal, day, or low-light environments and across diverse terrains and weather situations. It is flexible enough to be mounted on ground vehicles as well as fixed installations, providing Bulgaria’s military with enhanced operational adaptability.
In addition to the EO/IR system, the kits will feature the Ranger R20SS, a rugged and lightweight long-range radar. This radar can detect personnel and vehicles from distances of approximately 20 kilometers (12.42 miles), allowing for the simultaneous tracking of multiple targets with high precision. Notably, the Ranger R20SS’s compact size allows it to be carried in a soldier’s backpack, simplifying logistics with minimal integration requirements.
The Cameleon control software is another key component of the suite. It provides a flexible and scalable command and control platform, designed for seamless integration of new systems with minimal modifications, ensuring that the Bulgarian Land Forces can quickly adapt to evolving operational needs.
Teledyne’s efforts not only focus on the immediate delivery of these advanced systems but also include further enhancements in the later phases of the program. These will introduce standoff identification capabilities through unmanned aircraft and launch systems, equipped with advanced sensors for nuclear, biological, and chemical detection.
This initiative is part of a broader foreign military sales agreement, following Bulgaria’s procurement of nearly 200 Stryker vehicles—over half of which are infantry carriers. The modernization effort aims to replace the outdated Soviet-era tactical vehicle fleet and will significantly enhance Bulgaria’s force capabilities. Dr. JihFen Lei, president of Teledyne FLIR Defense, highlighted that these enhancements will boost Bulgaria’s interoperability within NATO and improve overall situational awareness, thereby solidifying the nation’s defense posture.
