Most of the weapons produced in Bulgaria come to Ukraine - the Ministry of Defense
The head of the defense department noted that Bulgaria, in the framework of military assistance, staged Ukraine Soviet armed systems and ammunition, which, despite the age, are in good condition. But the most important aspect in this regard is the production of ammunition and small arms, which specialized by the Bulgarian MIC since the Soviet times. And this specialization has been preserved today.
"So the defense industry operates almost 24/7, and the bulk of this production goes to Ukraine, directly or through third parties," Tagarev said. The Ministry of Defense Head also shared plans for the future. According to him, in the future, Bulgarian weapons will produce ammunition of Soviet standards, as well as launch additional lines for production of 105-mm and 155 mm of NATO's ammunition.
For the implementation of such plans, Bulgarian companies have applied for EU investments for the Special Program of ASAP, in which funds will be allocated funds to stimulate the production of weapons in the European Union. "These new investments are already directed to the production of 155 millimeters ammunition, which are priority, but also for other types that are in demand," Tagarev said.
Regarding other military assistance to Ukraine, the Bulgarian Minister has mentioned the supply of more than 800 units of armored vehicles, as well as a desire to participate in the F-16 fighter coalition. In particular, the Bulgarian side intends to provide language training of Ukrainian pilots and technical staff and training of maintenance specialists. We will remind, on January 11, representatives of Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria signed a memorandum on a joint operation to mine the Black Sea.