site.btaPM Radev, Italian Manufacturer Representatives Discuss Bulgaria's Armed Forces Modernization

Prime Minister Rumen Radev discussed the modernization of the Bulgarian Armed Forces and Bulgaria's interest in acquiring firefighting aircraft with representatives of the Italian manufacturer Leonardo at a meeting at the Council of Ministers, the Government Information Service said on Wednesday. The talks highlighted the good cooperation between Bulgaria and Leonardo in the modernization of the Bulgarian Armed Forces, as well as the delivery and maintenance of the helicopters currently used for emergency medical services in Bulgaria. The acquisition of transport equipment and other joint projects were also identified as potential areas of cooperation.

Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov also attended the meeting.

Radev said that the Government's policy on the modernization of the Armed Forces was aimed not only at acquiring defence equipment, but also at ensuring the effective participation of Bulgarian companies in supply chains for parts and components used in its maintenance, as well as at establishing joint production.

On Tuesday, Radev discussed opportunities for partnership with Axon in the production of high-tech defence products.