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
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: ST Engineering’s Terrex s5 highlights hybrid power’s role in future warfare]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: ST Engineering’s Terrex s5 highlights hybrid power’s role in future warfare
Hybrid-electric drive technology may address the growing energy demands of land warfare in future.
-
![CAVS rides a wave and prepares for surge requirements as orders roll in]()
CAVS rides a wave and prepares for surge requirements as orders roll in
The Common Armoured Vehicle System is continuing to rack up orders as the British Army looks likely to become an operator of the vehicle, while Italy and Ireland are also contenders.
-
![US DoD task force’s DroneHunter acquisition lays groundwork for Replicator 2 CUAS strategy]()
US DoD task force’s DroneHunter acquisition lays groundwork for Replicator 2 CUAS strategy
As the US Department of Defense looks to counter the growing threat of uncrewed aerial systems to improve homeland security, the DroneHunter acquisition could point to future commercial innovation.
