Two bidders make the cut in Bulgarian IFV programme
Proposals from General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) and Patria have been downselected for the second phase of the Bulgarian 8x8 IFV procurement programme.
The Bulgarian MoD selected the Patria AMVxp (pictured) and GDELS-Mowag Piranha V vehicles, preferring them to the Nexter VBCI and ARTEC Boxer.
Shephard Defence Insight notes that the Bulgarian Army has a long-standing requirement to replace legacy Soviet-era equipment, with a high priority given to procuring 90 new 8x8 IFVs to equip four battalion-sized battle groups, for an estimated cost of BGN896 million ($540 million).
After several delays, the Bulgarian MoD issued an RfP in August 2018 to the four downselected bidders mentioned above.
A winner should have been selected in December that year before a contract announcement in early 2020. However, this was delayed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Hungary set to begin using Hero 400 loitering munitions]()
Hungary set to begin using Hero 400 loitering munitions
Developed by Israel's Uvision and with systems being sold in the thousands to multiple European NATO countries and the US, the Hero family of loitering systems is also in production in the US and Italy, the latter through Rheinmetall.
-
![Light Reconnaissance Strike – enabling a vital mission set (Studio)]()
Light Reconnaissance Strike – enabling a vital mission set (Studio)
A new system-of-systems concept will unlock digital integration of sensors and weapons for Light Forces, allowing them to shape the battlefield environment on their own terms and upgrade legacy platforms.
-
![Lockheed Martin to look further afield for GMARS rocket system opportunities]()
Lockheed Martin to look further afield for GMARS rocket system opportunities
The HX truck is already in use in many NATO and allied countries around the world as a logistics vehicle and carrier for high-value systems, including missile firing weapons, so its use for the Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System makes logistical sense.
