site.btaRearmament Projects Expected to Make Agenda of Next Cabinet Meeting

Sofia, May 1 (BTA) - Defence Minister Krassimir Karakachanov told a news briefing on Tuesday that two projects for the acquisition of a new armoured vehicle and fighter jets are undergoing a two-week interagency assessment. "If the ministries are ready with their assessments, the projects will make the agenda of the next government meeting. They are valued at 1.22 billion leva and 1.5 billion leva respectively."

Karakachanov said that there were meetings with Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, Deputy Prime Tomislav Donchev and Finance Minister Vladislav Goranov on the rearmament projects on Monday and Tuesday.

Karakachanov recalled that under the investment project at least eight fighter jets. "Our ambition is to supply the Air Force with new fighter jets so that it can fulfill its commitments but we'll continue to maintain the available air planes ," said Karakachanov.

Taking a question, he expressed hope that the Gripen corporation will take part in the new competition.

The Gripen jet was tipped as a favourite in the previous bid which failed because of opposition on the part of the powerholders against the terms of the procedure.

Karakachanov recalled that the Ministry has concluded a contract for the maintenance of MiG 29 fighters with RSK MiG worth 81.5 million leva.

Deputy Prime Minister Donchev said that in addition to the acquisition of a new armoured vehicle, possibilities should be explored to upgrade the existing vehicles.

Karakachanov specified that the new armoured vehicles will be assembled in Bulgaria as this will involve Bulgarian businesses and will create new jobs. The vehicles will be maintained in the country.