GlobalData predicts that Bulgaria will see its defence spending increase over the next five years, with a total spend of $10.9bn through to 2028. The mounting tensions in Europe have led to a significant investment in various defence programmes, including a contract for eight F-16s, a tender for 88 wheeled Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV), and existing and planned frigate and patrol boat replacement programmes. In the wake of the war with Ukraine, the Bulgarian parliament put in place a purchase that will substantially transform Bulgaria’s air power, agreeing to purchase an additional eight F-16 fighter aircraft in November 2022. Lockheed Martin have delayed the delivery of the first batch of this new procurement until 2025, and the second batch is expected 2027-28.
Bulgaria has recently made significant investments in naval vessels and anti-ship capabilities in an effort to safeguard its coastline and facilitate unrestricted trade for the Black Sea economy. The Bulgarian Navy’s contract to replace one Koni-class frigate and two Pauk-class corvettes was won by Germany’s NVL Group in November 2020. The 90-metre warships carry MDBA anti-air missiles, torpedoes, Saab anti-ship missiles, and Oto Melara cannons. Bulgaria’s efforts to bolster its military capabilities by procuring advanced combat vehicles and enhancing logistical support capacity have been hampered by a host of obstacles. Despite interest from General Dynamics European Land Systems and Patria, Bulgaria’s original procurement for an 88 wheeled IFV was cancelled.
