Saudi and Bulgarian defense ministers discuss military cooperation and regional security

[Feroze]

Saudi and Bulgarian defense ministers discuss military cooperation and regional security​

Saudi defense minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, explored opportunities to expand bilateral defense ties with his Bulgarian counterpart. (File/SPA)
Short Url

Saudi and Bulgarian defense ministers discuss military cooperation and regional security

Saudi and Bulgarian defense ministers discuss military cooperation and regional security

arab.news

Updated 29 September 2026 16:11
Arab News
September 29, 202616:11






Follow
RIYADH: The Saudi defense minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, and his Bulgarian counterpart, Dimitar Stoyanov, on Tuesday discussed the enhancement of military and defense cooperation between their countries.

During their telephone conversation, the ministers explored opportunities to expand bilateral defense ties in ways that serve mutual interests, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

They also discussed efforts to enhance regional security and stability, and exchanged views on the latest regional and international developments.

Saudi and Bulgarian defense ministers discuss military cooperation and regional security

Saudi and Bulgarian defense ministers discuss military cooperation and regional security

www.arabnews.com

 

[AZ_HighCountry]

I'm at a loss to understand the true objectives of this discussion. Bulgaria's location respective to that of KSA makes it highly improbable such a pact of cooperation would be beneficial. All in all, the Saudi military outclasses the Bulgarians.

From a religious perspective, Christianity is the dominate religion in Bulgaria.

So what is the intention here?

 

[Feroze]

I'm at a loss to understand the true objectives of this discussion. Bulgaria's location respective to that of KSA makes it highly improbable such a pact of cooperation would be beneficial. All in all, the Saudi military outclasses the Bulgarians.

From a religious perspective, Christianity is the dominate religion in Bulgaria.

So what is the intention here?

I do not know. Maybe Saudi Arabia can get some Soviet technologies.

It is ARAB NEWS, so it is genuine.

 

[AZ_HighCountry]

I do not know. Maybe Saudi Arabia can get some Soviet technologies.

It is ARAB NEWS, so it is genuine.

That doesn't make any sense. Any remaining Soviet-era weapons still in Bulgarian stocks are outdated. Further, as a now-NATO member, they are modernizing their armed forces with NATO standard weaponry.

While Bulgaria does indeed manufacture Soviet-style weapons, and yes, KSA has expressed interest in those, any benefits now would center around the needs and strategy of the Saudis. Perhaps one of the Saudi mods or members can elaborate.

As for your source, I'm not questioning it. I'm just trying to understand the intention.

 

[Feroze]

That doesn't make any sense. Any remaining Soviet-era weapons still in Bulgarian stocks are outdated. Further, as a now-NATO member, they are modernizing their armed forces with NATO standard weaponry.

While Bulgaria does indeed manufacture Soviet-style weapons, and yes, KSA has expressed interest in those, any benefits now would center around the needs and strategy of the Saudis. Perhaps one of the Saudi mods or members can elaborate.

As for your source, I'm not questioning it. I'm just trying to understand the intention.

Probably you are right. Don't know why Saudi Arabia wants a military relationship with Bulgaria. lol.

It was on the news, so...it must be a new development.

 

[HAIDER]

I'm at a loss to understand the true objectives of this discussion. Bulgaria's location respective to that of KSA makes it highly improbable such a pact of cooperation would be beneficial. All in all, the Saudi military outclasses the Bulgarians.

From a religious perspective, Christianity is the dominate religion in Bulgaria.

So what is the intention here?

The arms industry is on a roll in Bulgaria – but ever-closer ties to Saudi Arabia raise questions about whether Sofia is also implicating itself in Saudi conflicts in the Middle East.
Bulgaria’s defence industry – which was on the brink of collapse in the early 2010s – is now one of the most productive sectors of the Bulgarian economy, exporting a record 1.2 billion euros’ worth of weapons in 2017, up by 20 per cent compared to the year before.

About half of the arms and munitions go to the Middle East, with the lion’s share being sold to Saudi Arabia.

In six years, from practically no trade at all, the gulf kingdom has become the number-one purchaser of Bulgarian weapons and armed systems.

Types of Weapons and Equipment

• • BM-21 Grad: 122mm multiple rocket launchers exported to Saudi Arabia.
  • BTR Armored Personnel Carriers: Soviet-designed APCs recorded in trade registers.
  • Small Arms & Light Weapons: Assault rifles, machine guns, and shoulder-fired munitions.
  • Ammunition: Large quantities of artillery shells, mortar rounds, and small-caliber cartridges

 

[AZ_HighCountry]

Appreciate that sir.

I do know that Bulgarian AK-47 / 74 style kits are popular here in the US. The rifles are 922r compliant in order for the importers to be able to bring them in. And, they sell like hotcakes.

I've had the opportunity to fire a couple. Solid weapons.