The possibility of establishing a defense capabilities maintenance center in Bulgaria was discussed by Minister of Defense Dimitar Stoyanov and representatives of the German company Diehl Defence. This was announced by the Ministry of Defense press center.

Minister Stoyanov emphasized that the acquisition of new military capabilities under the SAFE mechanism should lead to long-term benefits for the country through the involvement of local companies, the development of technological capabilities, and the building of equipment maintenance capacity. In light of the upcoming acquisition of IRIS-T systems, he proposed the development of sustainable industrial cooperation in Bulgaria.

"We propose the development of sustainable industrial cooperation that can be implemented in Bulgaria," Stoyanov stated. He presented the idea of a maintenance center and logistics hub that would provide for the storage and delivery of spare parts, technical support, and repairs. The country has the potential for such a structure to serve not only national needs but also to have regional significance.

Currently, Bulgaria has a contract for one IRIS-T complex, with five more scheduled for acquisition under the same mechanism. The Minister expressed readiness for immediate negotiations on these projects, as well as for the RBS systems intended for the Naval Forces' patrol vessels.

Representatives of the German manufacturer expressed their readiness to explore the idea of a center in Bulgaria. Opportunities for European funding and cooperation in the fields of innovative defense technologies, information technology, infrastructure, testing equipment, weapon systems, and optical and electronic systems were also discussed. In June, Minister Stoyanov also held a meeting with German Ambassador Irene Plank, where projects for EuroPULS and deliveries for the patrol vessels were discussed.