site.btaBulgarian Armed Forces Modernization Projects Discussed with France

Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov and French Ambassador to Bulgaria Marie Dumoulin discussed projects for Bulgaria to acquire new three-dimensional radar systems, 155 mm CAESAR self-propelled howitzers, and VL MICA surface-to-air missiles for the Navy, the Defence Ministry reported on Tuesday.

The projects were viewed in the context of modernizing this country's armed forces and the expansion of defence industry partnership with France.

Stoyanov stated: "Bulgaria has a strong partnership with France in the field of defence. I hope that, with the same momentum we have achieved on the project for new three-dimensional radar systems, we will continue advancing our other joint projects."

The minister presented the measures undertaken by the Bulgarian government to fulfil its commitments to NATO and modernize the country's armed forces, including through the opportunities offered by the European SAFE mechanism. "The plan to reach defence spending of 5% of GDP by 2035 is already in place. We are working both on acquiring new capabilities and on building the necessary infrastructure for their effective use," Stoyanov said.

He highlighted the participation of Bulgaria's defence industry in future initiatives. "For us, this is one of the most important issues. We will actively seek industrial cooperation with every country with which we implement projects for the acquisition of new capabilities. The participation of Bulgarian companies is an important prerequisite for the development of national defence capacity, and I believe that the French side will support such cooperation," the minister said.

Ambassador Dumoulin reaffirmed France's readiness to continue working jointly with Bulgaria to strengthen Europe's collective security and defence capabilities.

The two also discussed the resumption of the strategic defence dialogue between Bulgaria and France, with steps to be taken as early as this year.