Iraq receives ex-Bulgarian T-72s and BMP-1s
Iraq has received a shipment of ex-Bulgarian armoured vehicles. (Photo: Iraqi MoD)
The Iraq MoD announced on 14 February that a batch of surplus T-72 tanks and BMP-1 APCs from Bulgaria has arrived in the country.
The vehicles will equip the Iraqi Army to strengthen its counter-terrorism capabilities.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the surplus vehicles were reportedly ordered under a $245 million contract awarded to Apolo Engineering in June 2021.
The Iraqi Army is believed to have at least 137 T-72s in service. At least one of these belonging to the paramilitary Popular Mobilization Forces (PMU) and has received an upgrade similar to the T-72M upgrade package developed by the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The Iraqi T-72M consists of adding additional armour to the front of the turret and front and sides of the hull.
In the case of the BMP-1, since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein in 2003, the Iraqi Army has received surplus vehicles from several sources, including the Czech Republic, Greece and Ukraine apart from Bulgaria.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
AUSA 2025: IAI reveals robotic route clearance system
The Elta 6631 has been developed using the experience of the Israel Defense Forces in route proving, and can be customised for various customers and circumstances.
-
AUSA 2025: Boeing wins $2.7 billion PAC-3 production contract as it explores supply chain expansion
Boeing will work with prime contractor Lockheed Martin to boost PAC-3 production capacity to hit higher delivery targets, as demand for the interceptors continues to surge.
-
AUSA 2025: AM General “on target” for JLTV full-rate production in 2026 as it uncrews a Humvee
AM General believes it has completed working with customers for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicles to reach a final version of the vehicle and to prepare to begin producing vehicles under full rate production.