USASAC Executes Historic $2B Stryker Package for Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s military modernization took a monumental leap forward July 15 with the signing of a nearly $45 million Foreign Military Sales (FMS) amendment—part of a landmark $2 billion FMS case—reinforcing NATO’s eastern flank. ![]()Executed by the U.S. Army Security Assistance Command (USASAC) and other Army Security Assistance Enterprise stakeholders, the multi-case package equips Bulgaria with 183 new-production Stryker armored fighting vehicles, Javelin weapon systems, ammunition, and comprehensive support equipment. Final deliveries are scheduled for completion by the end of 2028. As one of the largest single FMS purchases made by Bulgaria, the Stryker package represents a historic leap forward. “Bulgaria’s commitment to this procurement demonstrates a serious investment in NATO interoperability and regional security,” said Tara Kessel, USASAC’s country program manager for Bulgaria. “This acquisition represents a major modernization of Bulgaria's ground capabilities and reflects the strength of the U.S.-Bulgaria defense partnership.” Enterprise Agility in Action Keeping a highly complex, multi-billion-dollar program on track through shifting political realities requires massive enterprise agility. When newly appointed Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov took office in May, he requested a comprehensive review of the primary FMS cases to address cost concerns and scope adjustments. Rather than routing paperwork from overseas, Kessel and team members flew across the globe for face-to-face discussions. Working in close coordination with the Program Executive Office for Ground Combat Systems and the Embassy Sofia Military Group (MILGP), this meeting was organized and coordinated quickly with efforts from the MILGP working closely with the Bulgarian government. The team rapidly formulated multiple courses of action to give Bulgaria fiscal flexibility while preserving the program’s timeline. "We had the path forward immediately upon leaving that meeting," Kessel explained. "This high-level engagement underscores the strong partnership between the United States and Bulgaria. Together, we identified ways to enhance efficiency while maintaining the overall integrity of the program.” This rapid execution was made possible by leaning heavily into ongoing FMS reforms. “With USASAC’s recent alignment under the operational control of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology (ASA(ALT)), we can now synchronize the entire capability lifecycle—from acquisition through international delivery,” Kessel noted. “This is creating a more cohesive, agile enterprise.” Working closely with the Program Executive Office for Ground Combat Systems (PEO GCS) and Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) leadership, they compressed weeks of standard staffing timelines into a matter of days. Production and Fielding This streamlined approach extends directly to the manufacturing strategy. The enterprise uses a hybrid production model in coordination with the principal contractor, General Dynamics Land Systems. Initial assembly will take place at the General Dynamics facility in London, Ontario, Canada, before transitioning to in-country co-assembly and integration in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. This phased approach accelerates delivery while supporting Bulgaria's long-term goal of establishing local depot-level maintenance capabilities and positioning itself as a regional sustainment hub. EDA and Guard Training While new-production Strykers are slated for final delivery by 2028, the modernization is already underway. As an interim capability, Bulgaria received eight Strykers through the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program in mid-February 2026, with the process moving from approval to delivery in just months. Delivering the hardware was only part of the effort. To meet the need for specialized vehicle training, the defense enterprise leveraged a National Guard State Partnership pathway, bringing in the Washington Army National Guard. From March through June 2026, a specialized Washington Guard Mobile Training Team deployed to Karlovo, Bulgaria. Working alongside the Bulgarian Land Forces' 61st Mechanized Brigade, they team shared a decade's worth of Stryker expertise, providing hands-on operator, maintenance, and recovery training. "This is huge," Kessel said. "They are completely modernizing and enhancing their ground forces. By transitioning to a modern Stryker fleet and working on establishing a regional maintenance hub, Bulgaria is doing more than just delivering vehicles—they are cementing their role as a premier anchor of security for the entire NATO alliance. USASAC is proud to be a part of that.”

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