U.S. agrees to sell more than 180 Stryker APCs to Bulgaria
2 September, 2023 Stryker DVHA1 armored personnel carrier. Photo credits: GDLS The U.S.
State Department has agreed on the possible sale of Stryker combat vehicles to Bulgaria. Such a decision was announced on September 1 by the Office of Defense Cooperation and Security of the U.S. Department of Defense.
It regards the supply of 183 units of vehicles of the Stryker series to the armed forces of Bulgaria for various purposes. The total cost of a potential order of wheeled armored vehicles and related equipment is estimated at £1.5 billion.
Stryker wheeled armored vehicle. Photo from open sources
The potential sale includes the delivery of the following vehicles:
- 90 XM1296 - Dragoon Infantry Carrier Vehicle,
- 17 M1126 Armored Personnel Carriers,
- 9 M1132 armored engineering vehicles,
- 33 M1130 Commander Vehicle,
- 24 M1133 Medical Evacuation Vehicle,
- 10 M1135 Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle.
Stryker Double V-Hull.
Photo from open sources
In addition, the sale of 5 heavy tactical trucks of increased mobility for the transportation of light equipment is considered, as well as two M1120A4 tactical trucks and five M984A4 Wrecker tactical trucks, including other related elements and equipment.
Stryker A1. Photo from open sources
It is also planned to supply remote weapon statioms M153A4 CROWS, 107 M240 7.62mm machine guns and M2A1 heavy machine guns. The main contractor for executing the potential deal will be defense company General Dynamics Land Systems.
The proposed sale will improve the defense capability of Bulgaria, which is an ally of the United States within the NATO defense alliance.
Stryker armored vehicle
Stryker is a series of wheeled armored combat vehicles designed and manufactured by the American company General Dynamics Land Systems.
Stryker wheeled armored vehicle
In the basic version, Stryker armored personnel carriers entered service with the American Army in 2003. This configuration allows it to transport up to twelve people, including three crew members. Armored vehicles in this version are usually armed with a M2 Browning 12.7mm machine gun or Mk19 40mm automatic grenade launcher.
Various combat, engineering and specialized vehicles were created on the basis of Stryker.
Stryker armored personnel carrier with a Light Weight Mine Roller (LWMR).
Photo credits: army-technology
As previously reported, five major defense companies are competing for a contract to supply radars to Bulgaria.
The value of the future contract is estimated at about 200 million euros.