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
-
![Saab to begin delivering new missile variant for RBS 70 air defence system in 2027]()
Saab to begin delivering new missile variant for RBS 70 air defence system in 2027
The Bolide 2 missile has a larger warhead than the original version as well as an aluminium nose cone, which replaces a copper version and allows for more explosive content and fragments.
-
![SAHA 2026: MKE sets its sights on the Turkish Army’s self-propelled guns]()
SAHA 2026: MKE sets its sights on the Turkish Army’s self-propelled guns
With multiple artillery platforms on display at SAHA 2026, Turkey’s defence contractors are positioning to replace the country’s older imported platforms.
-
![Saab unveils new round to defeat explosive reactive armour]()
Saab unveils new round to defeat explosive reactive armour
The HEAT 758 has a tandem warhead consisting of an initial charge which neutralises the explosive reactive armour and the main charge which penetrates the primary armour. It is fired from a standard Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon launcher and has been ordered by an undisclosed customer.
