![]() The list of bidders included Patria’s AMV-XP and GDELS-MOWAG’s PIRANHA-5, but they both exceeded the estimated budget by 30-50 per cent. The government wanted to acquire 150 wheeled (both 8×8 and either 6×6 or 4×4) armoured vehicles for €1.46Bn to replace its Soviet-era wheeled vehicles: BTR-60PB/MDs and the BRDM-2s (also tank-hunters with 9P148 KONKURS ATGMs). When it comes to wheeled vehicles, the situation remains much more uncertain. This is the first ever upgrade of such complexity involving Bulgarian T-72s since the 1980s when they entered service. The first modernised T-72 was presented in late June 2022 during the HEMUS 2022 defence exhibition held in Plovdiv. Tanks keep their original guns (smoothbore 2A46 125 mm cannons). Another improvement is Elbit’s E-LAWS laser warning system. In order to enhance situational awareness, the 1K13 sight (designed for target observation, search and detection in daylight and at night) is being replaced by the TIFCS-GS (Thermal Imaging Fire Control System-Gunner Sight). Tanks are receiving HF/VHF radios with a built-in encryption module and a new fire control system (Elbit’s TIFCS). ![]() Another batch is expected to be upgraded in the future. In 2020, it was agreed that 44 T-72s would be modernised locally at the facilities of the Terem Khan Krum EOOD, located in Targovishte. Sofia’s arsenal is composed of legacy systems, including the T-72A/M2 tanks (up to 90 in total). Bulgaria is among those Eastern European countries, which still has to make binding decisions. ![]()
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