General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) will present a new variant of its advanced 8×8 wheeled infantry fighting vehicle PIRANHA IFV, at the XIII International Defence Exhibition HEMUS 2018 between 30 May and 2 June in Plodiv, Bulgaria.
The PIRANHA IFV will be fitted with the latest Elbit UT30MK2 unmanned turret armed with an Orbital ATK Armament Systems 30mm MK44 dual feed cannon, 7.62mm co-axial MG, a pod of two anti-tank guided weapons (ATGW) and an advanced digital Communication and Information System (CIS) from General Dynamics Mission Systems.
The vehicle is a candidate for the Bulgarian Army’s Battalion Battle Group (BBG) acquisition project.
“It is key for us to present to our customer various options of armament systems so he can choose the optimum for his specific needs,” said Thomas Kauffmann, General Dynamics European Land Systems Vice President International Business & Services.
In 2017 General Dynamics European Land Systems presented the PIRANHA IFV with a medium calibre armament system from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to the Bulgarian Army at the Military polygon Tylbeto near the city of Kazanlak, Bulgaria.
The PIRANHA is one of the most successful Western 8×8 wheeled armoured vehicle in the world. More than 12,000 vehicles of the PIRANHA family are in service with 20 user nations, including Canada, the US and European countries such as Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Romania, Spain, and Switzerland.
General Dynamics European Land Systems has developed a tailor-made industrial participation and growth strategy for Bulgarian companies, which will create sustainable business opportunities. At this year’s Hemus exhibition General Dynamics European Land Systems and General Dynamics Mission Systems will sign collaboration arrangements with various key Bulgarian industry partners with regard to the upcoming BBG acquisition project.
“Over the last three years in Bulgaria we have developed a strong team of local companies and partners to be able to respond to the BBG project not only with a superior vehicle offering but also to offer unmatched economic benefits to Bulgaria and its local industry,” said Thomas Kauffmann.
General Dynamics European Land Systems will be located at Stand No. V6.