NATO-EU member states benefit from arms exports to Ukraine

Bulgaria's arms exports will increase by 200% by 2022 amid the Russia-Ukraine military conflict, Bulgarian Economy Minister Bogdan Bogdanov told state television on July 17.

Last year, Bulgaria's exports of specialized weapons products were worth 1.7 billion euros, equivalent to 2% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).

“The Bulgarian arms industry is developing and the goal is to modernize production. We are trying to ensure a safe environment for those working in these factories,” Bogdanov said.

Bulgaria is trying to quickly adapt its factories to produce NATO-standard 155mm ammunition and weapon systems.

With large quantities of Soviet weapons and equipment in its arsenal, as well as a thriving arms industry, Bulgaria could be a key ally for Ukraine in the fight against Russian forces.

However, in May 2022, the Bulgarian Parliament voted only in favor of repairing Ukrainian military equipment at factories in the “land of roses”, rejecting the government's proposal to send a package of weapons to Kiev.

By December last year, the first arms package for Ukraine was approved, but it consisted mainly of light weapons and ammunition, not heavy hardware.

As a result, almost all of its 2022 output was exported through intermediaries to Ukraine, sources told the European news portal Euractiv. In 2022, Bulgaria exported to Kiev mainly ammunition for Soviet-era weapons systems, which Ukrainians largely relied on until modern Western weapons were pumped in.

World - NATO-EU member states benefit from arms exports to Ukraine — The entrance to the VMZ arms factory in Sopot, Bulgaria, February 2023. Photo: NY Times

The arms exports to Ukraine through intermediaries were a result of Bulgarian President Rumen Radev’s non-confrontational stance. Now that a more pro-Western government runs the NATO and EU member state in the Balkans, such arms exports are no longer taboo.

Ensuring the security of Bulgaria's arms industry is also a serious problem for Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov's government because of a series of sabotage attacks on military factories in recent years that Bulgaria blames on Russia.

The Bulgarian Economy Ministry said the country has taken all necessary measures to increase production security and safety of personnel in arms factories.

“Currently, all safety measures have been taken. In addition, additional security levels have been deployed for each location, not only at state-owned plants but also at private plants of the Bulgarian military industry,” Bogdanov said.

Bulgarian Defense Minister Todor Tagarev commented on July 17 that Bulgaria constantly receives requests for what Ukraine needs to defend against Russian aggression.

“We are analyzing the possibilities that our country can help,” Tagarev explained, adding that “the possibility of sending a third package of military aid to Ukraine will be prepared.”

“Bulgaria is one of the major ammunition producers in Europe, international interest in Bulgarian military plants is very serious and there are good opportunities to attract EU investments,” the Bulgarian Defense Minister added .

Minh Duc (According to Euractiv, RFE/RL)

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