Bulgaria secretly delivers BRDM-2 armored vehicles and 2S1 self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine.

As reported by Oorlog-monitor on March 6, 2024, an expansion of Bulgarian military support to Ukraine has been identified, extending beyond the initial delivery of BTR-60PB armored personnel carriers. Bulgaria has also sent undisclosed numbers of BRDM-2 reconnaissance vehicles and 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzers, as corroborated by social media evidence showing these military assets being loaded onto railway platforms for transportation.
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Bulgaria seems to have expanded its military support to Ukraine with this secret delivery of 2S1 self-propelled howitzers and BRDM-2 armored vehicles. (Picture source: Oorlog-monitor)

The precise quantities of the 2S1 Gvozdika 122mm self-propelled howitzers and BRDM-2 armored reconnaissance vehicles allocated for transfer have not been disclosed. These military assets are reported to come from Bulgaria's reserve stocks, and their conditions vary. Some of the BRDM-2 vehicles show signs of age, while a number of the Gvozdikas appear to have been refurbished, indicating preparatory actions before dispatch. The involvement of Bulgaria's local industry in the refurbishment process has been suggested but not confirmed.

There is an established arrangement between Bulgaria and Ukraine for the repair of the BRDM-2 vehicles upon their arrival. This indicates that Ukraine may use these vehicles for military purposes and as a source of spare parts for other units. Additionally, there is speculation about Ukraine modifying these vehicles using parts from various sources, including those salvaged from different military assets, exemplified by modifications seen in the BRDM-2 'Vovkulaka' utilized by the Ukrainian Volyn Brigade.

Regarding Bulgaria's military reserves, reports indicate up to 200 units of BRDM-2 and over 400 units of 2S1 Gvozdika, with additional units actively in service. Some of these Gvozdikas were previously sold to the Czech Republic and then transferred to Ukraine, indicating ongoing Bulgarian contributions.

The process of transferring this equipment to Ukraine was delayed due to issues with a Romanian transport company, which also resulted in political debates within Bulgaria. Criticism has been directed at Defense Minister Todor Tagarev by major parliamentary groups for alleged inefficiencies in executing government and parliamentary decisions. Despite these controversies, the transfer of military equipment to Ukraine has finally commenced.

The condition of the transferred equipment has led to discussions in Bulgaria. The assets, showing various degrees of wear and sourced from the Bulgarian Ministry of Internal Affairs, have been unused for considerable periods. This has prompted discussions about the strategic value and ethical considerations of sending such equipment to a conflict zone, as well as concerns about Bulgaria's defense capabilities following these transfers.

Adding to the controversy, the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense has not publicly disclosed details regarding the shipment of this equipment to Ukraine. This confidentiality has led to speculation and questions, given that the movement of military hardware, typically from NATO allies, is a common sight in Bulgaria. Access to the loading site in Novi Iskar was restricted, with heightened security measures observed.

This recent support follows Bulgaria's previous, non-public contributions to Ukraine, including the supply in December 2023 of malfunctioning anti-aircraft missile systems and various types of missiles. This past contribution could have included systems like the 9K32 Strela and 9K33 Osa, among others. This aligns with a secretive vote conducted on September 27, 2023, when Bulgaria opted to supply Ukraine with non-operational S-300 missiles and surplus 5.45mm cartridges, underscoring Bulgaria's continued, though complex, support for Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict situations.