site.btaDefence Minister Zapryanov Briefed on Preparations to Assemble Stryker Combat Vehicles

Bulgaria’s Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov Friday visited the TEREM-Ivaylo enterprise in Veliko Tarnovo (North Central Bulgaria), Zapryanov’s Ministry said in a press release. Minister Zapryanov and his deputy Adelina Nikolova were briefed on the company's preparations to assemble all variants of the Stryker combat vehicles next year, as part of a contract to modernize the Land Forces. They discussed the timelines for infrastructure readiness and the preparedness of the engineering staff with the company's management. Since June, the company has been actively working on various tasks related to the project.

The shipments of equipment for the first Stryker combat vehicles are expected to arrive by the end of the second quarter of 2025. By that time, TEREM-Holding EAD will be fully prepared to begin assembly operations.

Following the signing of the contract for the acquisition of the Stryker combat vehicles in 2023, TEREM-Holding immediately began preparations for the project. Key documents and agreements were signed, allowing the company to receive the official technical documentation. Specific requirements for infrastructure, equipment, and facilities were outlined. In October, TEREM-Holding EAD signed a framework agreement with General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada. The company also entered into a design contract with PRONO for the infrastructure preparation. This includes the development of a cost estimate for the reconstruction, modernization, and new construction needed. The facilities for the assembly of the vehicles are already in place, with most of the work on the preparation of the hangars being in a final stage of completion.

Bulgaria is expected to receive 198 combat and service vehicles, 183 of which are Stryker family combat vehicles.