Outgoing government approves acquisition of seven minehunter vessels

The outgoing government has approved the conclusion of a contract between Bulgaria, Belgium and the Netherlands for the acquisition of seven minehunters. The news was reported by outgoing Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov at a briefing. Four of the ships will be delivered from Belgium and three from the Netherlands. He pointed out that the acquisition of new mine-hunting ships is particularly important against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, which has increased the mine danger in the Black Sea.

According to the minister, Bulgaria still relies on such type of ships from the Soviet era, but their operational resource is coming to an end. The ships are provided to Bulgaria free of charge. However, the total amount for the repair and restoration of the ships' full capabilities over the next 4 years is 42 million euros. The first ship will be sent this year, Zapryanov said. The navy currently has three such ships, which were delivered in previous years from Belgium and the Netherlands.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova

Photo: BTA