President Says Bulgaria, German Defence Company Rheinmetall Will Have Good Partnership

Nikolay Zabov

President Rumen Radev (right) and Chair of the Executive Board of Rheinmetall AG Armin Papperger, Sofia, March 26, 2025 (BTA Photo/Blagoy Kirilov)

Sofia,

26.03.2025 12:58

(BTA)

President Rumen Radev, who met with the leadership of the German automotive and arms manufacturer Rheinmetall here on Wednesday, said that Bulgaria provides excellent conditions for doing business. He expressed confidence that the country and Rheinmetall will enjoy a successful cooperation in the fields of defence and high technologies.

The leadership of the German company is here at the invitation of the President. The meeting also attended by Minister of Defence Atanas Zapryanov, members of the executive branch and of the Bulgarian defence industry.

The head of State noted that Europe is facing new challenges, which requires rethinking security issues, approaches to building adequate defence capabilities within the framework of the common European defence and NATO. "It requires from us to realize and prioritize areas of capability deficit, replenish our strategic military stocks as quickly as possible, build the necessary industrial base and readiness, and continuously introduce new technologies," he added.

In his words, the visit of the delegation is extremely important against the background of the declared political will of both countries for intensive pan-European cooperation in the field of defence. He added that Germany is a strategic collaborator of Bulgaria, Bulgaria's largest trade and economic partner, and a leading investor.

Chair of the Executive Board of Rheinmetall AG Armin Papperger said that his delegation is here not to ask for contracts but to build a lasting partnership with the local businesses and the state. He added that Rheinmetall's goal is to see if it can establish a joint venture with Bulgarian enterprises. Papperger said that Bulgaria has a good foundation in the munitions industry.

Papperger noted the importance of gunpowder, which is currently in high demand in Europe. Regarding air defence systems, he said that Rheinmetall can develop country competencies and production capabilities relatively quickly.

He expressed hope that the effective talks today will soon help his company to implement its plans.

President Rumen Radev (right) and Chair of the Executive Board of Rheinmetall AG Armin Papperger, Sofia, March 26, 2025 (BTA Photo/Blagoy Kirilov)

/MR/