Bulgarian Defense Minister Reviews Stryker Assembly Progress at TEREM Facility

Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov visited the TEREM Ivaylo facility in Veliko Tarnovo to review progress on the final assembly of the first Stryker armored combat vehicles for the Bulgarian Army. The visit marks another milestone in the country's ongoing land forces modernization program, with the plant currently assembling the initial batch of five vehicles. 

During the inspection, the minister toured the production line, including facilities for vehicle reception, assembly, painting, testing, and final delivery. According to the Ministry of Defense, the infrastructure has been upgraded to meet all technical requirements for the program and is fully prepared to support the assembly process. 

Stoyanov said the project has experienced delays due to late deliveries from the original manufacturer rather than issues at the Bulgarian facility. He added that funding for the program remains secured and that the ministry is monitoring implementation on a daily basis. 

The visit also included discussions on certifying TEREM Ivaylo to perform post warranty maintenance and support for the Bulgarian Stryker fleet. According to the minister, the company has the infrastructure and technical expertise required to become a regional service center, providing long term sustainment for all 183 Stryker vehicles ordered under Bulgaria's procurement program. 

Bulgaria began receiving its first Stryker vehicles earlier this year under the contract signed through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales framework. The industrial cooperation package includes final assembly in Bulgaria, supporting the development of domestic maintenance capabilities and expanding the role of the state owned TEREM group in future armored vehicle support.