Bulgarian Army to Sell Surplus Tanks and Helicopters

The Bulgarian Army will soon begin a major sale of surplus weapons and other assets in its inventory as part of its latest round of defence cuts, Bulgarian Defence Minister Anyu Angelov has said.

"Until 2014, we are planning to collect at least 20m lev ($14m), selling equipment and assets we don't need," he added.

The army had stored up weapons and equipment for a force envisioned between 120,000 and 150,000, but due to recent reforms the personnel would be reduced to 26,000 until 2014.

The number of tanks that would be sold was not disclosed, however, six helicopters will be sold and the funds will be drawn into the defence budget.

The defence minister also added that after the sale, army will have 80 tanks, 280 armoured vehicles and 80 fighter jets at its disposal.