Bulgaria is ramping up its military modernization efforts, with plans to equip all military units with drone control simulators by mid-December. This initiative is part of a larger strategy to enhance the use of unmanned systems throughout the military. Major General Deyan Deshkov, the Commander of the Land Forces, highlighted these developments during an event at the Lyulyak training ground near Stara Zagora, as reported by Radio Bulgaria.
In addition to the simulation equipment, the Bulgarian military is also in the process of acquiring various drone systems. Several units have already received these drones, and the procurement of reconnaissance and surveillance equipment is ongoing. Plans include the acquisition of first-person view drones and long-range kamikaze drones to bolster operational capabilities.
Further strengthening the military’s arsenal, the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense has signed a framework agreement to procure Springfield Armory pistols and is preparing to acquire new sniper systems. This move reflects Bulgaria’s proactive approach in enhancing its defense capabilities, particularly in light of escalating regional security concerns, notably those related to Russia.
In a significant deal signed in October, Bulgaria partnered with German defense firm Rheinmetall to establish a production center for gunpowder and 155mm artillery shells, valued at over 1 billion euros (approximately $1.1 billion). This partnership will integrate Rheinmetall with Bulgaria’s state-owned Vazovski Mashinostroitelni, and once fully operational, the new facility aims to produce up to 100,000 artillery shells annually. Additionally, it is projected to manufacture propellant charges for an extra 150,000 rounds and around 1,300 tons of gunpowder.
In line with these initiatives, Bulgaria is also modernizing its air defense capabilities with the acquisition of the next-generation IRIS-T missile system from Germany. This system is intended to replace outdated Soviet-era equipment, and the modernization program includes comprehensive personnel training, new infrastructure construction, and upgrades to radar and command systems to effectively incorporate the IRIS-T’s advanced digital architecture into the existing defense framework.
These efforts collectively underscore Bulgaria’s commitment to strengthening its military readiness in the face of evolving security challenges in the region.
