Caretaker Defence Minister confirms Bulgaria sent Gvozdika self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine

Bulgaria’s caretaker Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov has confirmed that Bulgaria sent Gvozdika self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine, with Zapryanov saying that the howitzers were surplus to the requirements of Bulgaria’s military.

The Soviet-era Gvozdika (the Russian word for “carnation”) was first manufactured in 1972, having been developed in what was then the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic.

Mounting an 122mm cannon, the Gvozdika may be swiftly adapted for amphibious use.

The International Institute of Security Studies said earlier this year that as of 2024, Bulgaria had 48.

Zapryanov, speaking to reporters at the opening of the GS Rakovski Military Academy academic year on September 3, said that because the Gvozdikas were no longer needed, specific permission from the National Assembly was not required.

He said that Bulgaria had sent eight packages of weapons, equipment and ammunition to Ukraine, all strictly in accordance with decisions by the National Assembly.

For each weapon and ammunition provided to Ukraine, Bulgaria would be financially compensated with “serious sums” that this country would invest in military modernisation.

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