The Bulgarian government has approved an agreement with Italy under which Bulgaria says it intends to buy up to 1,040 military vehicles for its army at a total cost of up to €410m, the government press office said.
The defence minister has been authorised to sign the document. It sets a framework for cooperation between the two countries' defence ministries and is a first step towards a separate agreement that will cover the purchase itself.
The new vehicles should let the army carry more weapons, machinery and supplies on tasks for the armed forces' three missions. The government also expects the army to be more ready for operations.
Deliveries will come in two stages. In the first, between 2027 and 2030, the army will receive up to 700 vehicles, plus training, maintenance and spare parts. These will cost up to €290m and will be paid for under the EU's SAFE scheme.
Bulgaria has nearly €3.27bn available under SAFE, and all projects funded by it must be finished by 31 December 2030.
The remaining vehicles, up to the full 1,040, must arrive by the end of 2032. For this second stage, the state must provide up to €120m.
The cabinet also approved an investment spending project called "Developing the transport support capabilities of the armed forces". It is due to go to parliament for approval.
The two countries also plan long-term industrial cooperation. Some of the vehicles could be assembled in Bulgaria with the help of local industry.