The central European State of Bulgaria has stretched out the potential of its Soviet-inherited armament to the last inch: Sofia should shortly be acquiring new vehicles for its armed forces and has accordingly been eyeing the market. One of the bids sent stands out: French manufacturer Nexter. And the Bulgarian enthusiasm for French equipment says it all about Sofia’s intentions.
An urgent replacement program
Bulgaria’s problem is not specific to Bulgaria: in fact, most central European states have it. Until the 1990s, most of the military equipment fielded in the ex-Warsaw pact area was manufactured, distributed and maintained by the Russians. Difficulty to acquire spare parts and keep the vehicles running had already started to arise before the collapse of the Soviet Union, as economic hardship mounted throughout the alliance. As Russia crumbled, the situation worsened, as shockwaves spread through the entire industrial market, military one included. Finally, NATO’s inclusion of former Soviet States within its alliance terminated what was left of Russia’s willingness and ability to keep supplying former allies with military equipment. All across central Europe, a large part of military equipment therefore goes back, in the best of cases, to the 1990s, and has suffered from disrupted maintenance. Dr Dominik Kimla, defense expert, writes: “Central European armed forces face current capability gaps due to outdated tanks, artillery, and aircraft – a point underscored by recent joint US exercises that field modern American equipment alongside older European systems. Some nations are pathfinding this approach and are active operators of NATO-standard surplus equipment.” The average lifespan of a military program being roughly 30 active years, it is high time to consider upgrades.
Bulgaria taking its place in Europe and NATO
Replacing military vehicles, such as Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), isn’t only about restoring previous levels of military potential: it goes beyond that. The North Atlantic alliance is very much a reality for founding members and countries which joined in the 1970s, but that’s less the case for many of the former members. Standard agreements (known as Stanags) establish the norms and procedures which are meant to enable cross-country cooperation, and applies to procedures, vocabulary, equipment, transport dimensions, calibers, etc. As a matter of example, the standard caliber for an infantry rifle within NATO is 5.56mm, which makes British, French, German and American guns chambered in the same way and interoperable. Military specialist Ruddy Cano writes: “Currently, the United States stands as one of the top weapons suppliers around the world. Its sales include, but are not limited to, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, South Korea, Australia, Taiwan, India, Singapore, Iraq, and Egypt. Our allies could always borrow our rounds in an emergency because they already own the same model guns. That is why the U.S. uses the 5.56mm: it's a tool to be used to enforce our political intentions — one way or another.” But many armies in Central Europe still use the trademark 7.62 mm AK-47 which they inherited from Soviet Russia. While it makes operational sense not to replace functioning guns, they do cause complications and incompatibilities within their new Atlantic alliance.
Consideration of French option is a token of how serious Bulgaria is
So, regardless of whom Bulgaria would choose to supply it with its new IFVs, it was bound to be a NATO supplier, so as to establish conformity with NATO standards. But it seems that Bulgaria isn’t only interested in fitting in, but wants to stand out. Among the offers it received, sources indicate that officials in Sofia have expressed particular interest at the French offer from Nexter. This gives a clue as to Bulgaria’s military ambitions. Nexter provides many countries throughout the world with military equipment and is considered to be in the top-of-the-line segment of the market. Its most recent production, the Titus, is a jewel of technology, potential and sturdiness. As reported by Army Recognition, “Nexter exposes also a range of robotic products with two minirobots monitoring and recognition NERVA, Nexter also sells the VBCI which, mounted with the Belgian 30-mm John Cockerill turret, forms one of the most advanced IFVs in the world. Put simply, Bulgaria seems to be getting ready to spend big, by calling upon the most “militarily luxurious” products on the market. It will also avoid repeating past mistakes, because Nexter generally includes maintenance contracts within arms deals. By choosing a European partner, Bulgaria would also contribute to Europe's strategic autonomy in this crucial sector, which is defense and land defense specifically. Europe's industrial independence is considered by all experts as one of the major challenges of the coming years. This will be achieved not only through major international agreements but also through specific choices such as the one Bulgaria has to make.
It seems that Bulgaria has picked up on the current wind of defense reinvigoration which is blowing across Europe and NATO. Much is happening on both those scenes, and Bulgaria’s enthusiasm for top-notch products indicates that Sofia wants to be part of it, and is ready to commit the necessary funds. Acquisition of French equipment will undoubtedly tie Bulgaria to France’s nascent military leadership on the European scene.