site.btaPM Borissov: Bulgarian Scientists, Experts Must Be Engaged in Military Equipment Modernization

Sofia, April 27 (BTA) - The Government's ambition is to implement the project for modernizing the military equipment for the Land Forces via Bulgarian companies and to engage Bulgarian scientists, engineers and mechanics in the process, said Prime Minister Boyko Borissov while visiting the Terem military equipment repair company in the northeastern town of Targovishte on Friday, the Government's information services reported.

Borissov said that this would allow the funds allocated from the national budget to remain in Bulgaria and contribute to the scientific potential's development and increase the standard of living. Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev said that, unfortunately, that was not the case in recent years. It is easiest to buy and spend taxpayers' money, he went on to say. The Government wishes to engage Bulgaria's whole industrial and scientific potential, which will succeed in finding other clients given its proper development, Donchev explained.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Krassimir Karakachanov noted that there is an ongoing interdepartmental coordination of the projects for investing in the acquisition of basic combat equipment for the Land Forces and a new fighter aircraft for the Air Force. These projects are expected to be submitted to Cabinet for review on May 9, he said.

The project for the military equipment is drafted for a period of 12 years and valued at 1.22 billion leva VAT excluded. It includes the acquisition of 150 units of specialized combat equipment for three battalion battle groups, systems and additional equipment, as well as training of the servicepersons.

According to the second investment project, 16 aircraft will be purchased at two stages. The first stage, which is financially secured with 1.5 billion leva (VAT excluded), will acquire no less than eight aircraft, will provide funds for ground maintenance, training, initial integrated logistical support for a period of three years, and armament.