First Stryker Vehicles Arrive in Bulgaria as Military Modernization Advances

Initial Shipment Lands in Burgas

The Bulgarian military has officially begun receiving its new Stryker combat and support vehicles, with the initial shipment arriving at the Port of Burgas on February 14, 2026. This first delivery included five Stryker armored fighting vehicles, originating from the United States and Canada. An additional eight Stryker armored fighting vehicles were also delivered free of charge under a U.S. program, designated for training purposes.

Following their arrival, these vehicles are slated for transport to the TEREM – Ivaylo LLC plant in Veliko Tarnovo for final assembly. Subsequently, they will be delivered to the 61st Mechanised Brigade in Karlovo, enhancing the brigade's operational capabilities.

Comprehensive Modernization Program

This delivery is part of a broader, extensive modernization project for the Bulgarian Army. The country is set to acquire a total of 198 combat and support vehicles, comprising 183 Strykers and 15 support lorries. The overall cost for these vehicles is approximately 1.12 billion euro, with an additional 96.1 million euro allocated for ammunition.

The types of Stryker vehicles included in the acquisition are diverse, encompassing reconnaissance, command and staff, nuclear, chemical and biological reconnaissance, medical evacuation, engineering support, transport, and evacuation variants. The acquisition aims to replace outdated Soviet-built systems and align the Bulgarian armed forces with NATO standards.

Strategic Importance and Timeline

The procurement of Stryker vehicles is a pivotal element in Bulgaria's defense strategy, designed to improve the nation's rapid infantry deployment and force projection capabilities, and to strengthen its homeland defense while deterring regional threats. The Bulgarian Parliament ratified the contract for the Strykers in December 2023, and the agreement with the U.S. for ammunition was approved in August 2024. The U.S. State Department had initially approved the potential sale in September 2023.

The program has also seen a 17 million leva government investment to prepare the Terem-Ivaylo facility for the assembly and maintenance of these vehicles, signaling a commitment to developing a local military-industrial base. Deliveries are scheduled to continue, with the main quantity of vehicles expected in 2026 and 2027, and the final batch anticipated by the first quarter of 2028.