SOFIA – Bulgaria and the German technology company “Rheinmetall” have officially launched a project to establish a factory for gunpowder and ammunition during a ceremony at the Council of Ministers in Sofia. This investment, nearing one billion euros, is one of the largest in recent years and marks a significant advancement in the modernization of Bulgaria’s defense sector, according to a government press release. The investment is part of broader European Union and NATO initiatives aimed at enhancing defense capabilities and strategic autonomy in response to evolving geopolitical dynamics.
Bulgaria aims to become a center of defense industry expertise for Europe. CEO of Rheinmetall, Armin Papperger, made this assertion during the signing ceremony for the new factory project. Papperger, along with Roman Kione, head of the “Weapons and Ammunition” division, signed the agreement alongside Ivan Getzov, CEO of “Vazovski Machine-Building Plants” (VMZ), representing Bulgaria.
Attendees at the ceremony included Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth Tomislav Donchev, and Minister of Economy and Industry Petar Dilov, along with Boyko Borissov, leader of GERB and chair of the GERB-SDS parliamentary group, and the German ambassador to Bulgaria, Irene Plank.
“The speed at which Bulgaria is moving is unprecedented. The dedication displayed by your team in fostering this cooperation is remarkable,” stated Papperger. He recalled that the collaboration began in February during the Munich Security Conference, noting that the factory will become one of the most advanced globally for gunpowder and ammunition production. “We will establish a substantial production capacity of 100,000 155-millimeter shells annually, with exports planned over the next decade. The EU and NATO require millions of such shells, and our estimates suggest the alliance will need around 50 million,” he added.
Prime Minister Zhelyazkov labeled the project as a significant leap forward for Bulgaria’s industrial and defense capabilities. Minister of Economy Petar Dilov emphasized that this initiative lays the groundwork for a partnership that merges Germany’s technological prowess with Bulgaria’s industrial strength, contributing to a more secure future for Europe. He highlighted the strategic importance of the project for Bulgaria and the continent, facilitating the development of a sustainable and independent defense capacity vital for regional security. Dilov reiterated that the project aligns with EU and NATO standards for bolstering defense capabilities and strategic autonomy amid the new geopolitical landscape.
President Rumen Radev, currently visiting Saudi Arabia, commented on the contract, stating that building modern defense capabilities for the Bulgarian army and fostering a robust defense industry is a top priority. He noted that he had previously invited Papperger to Bulgaria during the Munich Security Conference, where they discussed the full potential of Bulgaria’s defense industry and organized meetings with the Bulgarian government. Radev expressed the need for new technologies and strategic partnerships while also emphasizing the importance of protecting Bulgarian interests in these agreements, highlighting the government’s responsibility in the negotiation and execution processes. (October 28)
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