site.btaCabinet Proposes Ratification of Minehunter Acquisition Agreement for Navy

The Council of Ministers on Wednesday approved a proposal to Parliament to ratify a sales contract between Bulgaria's Defence Ministry and the Netherlands for the acquisition of Tripartite-class minehunters, as well as a memorandum of understanding between the defence ministries of Bulgaria, Belgium and the Netherlands on the transfer of the vessels.

The memorandum also covers the transfer of a crew training facility, spare parts and additional equipment.

The project envisages the acquisition of seven Tripartite-class minehunters from Belgium and the Netherlands. The vessels are equipped to detect, classify, identify and neutralize naval mines and mine-like objects, meet NATO standards, and are currently operated by the Belgian and Dutch navies.

Bulgaria will finance the refurbishment of the seven vessels to bring them to operational readiness standards, as well as the training of their crews.

The acquisition will enhance the Bulgarian Navy's ability to carry out its tasks related to national defence and maritime security in Bulgaria's maritime areas and to support other national institutions.