Candidate for Bulgarian Battalion Battle Group Acquisition

At HEMUS 2018, which opens in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, on 30 May, General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) showcases the latest variant of its 8×8 PIRANHA infantry fighting vehicle.

Described by the company as, “a candidate for the Bulgarian Army’s Battalion Battle Group (BBG) acquisition project,” the vehicle will be fitted with the Elbit UT30MK2 unmanned turret, armed with an Orbital ATK 30 mm MK44 dual feed cannon, a 7.62 mm co-axial MG, a pod of two anti-tank guided weapons and an advanced digital communication and information system from General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS). This variant is being shown to the Bulgarians subsequent to their seeing the PIRANHA last year with a medium calibre armament system developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.

GDELS has developed a tailor-made industrial participation and growth strategy for Bulgarian companies, which will create sustainable business opportunities. Both GDELS and GDMS are slated to sign collaboration agreements with key Bulgarian partners during HEMUS, aimed at supporting their bid for the BBG programme.

“Over the last three years in Bulgaria we have developed a strong team of local companies and partners to be able to respond to the BBG project, not only with a superior vehicle offering but also to offer unmatched economic benefits to Bulgaria and its local industry,” commented GDELS Vice President International Business & Services, Thomas Kauffmann.

More than 12,000 vehicles of the PIRANHA family are already in service with 20 user nations including Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Romania, Spain, Switzerland and the United States.