Teledyne FLIR Defense has secured a $32 million contract to equip Bulgaria’s new Stryker armored vehicles with advanced reconnaissance and surveillance sensor kits, the company confirmed on Friday. The contract, awarded by the U.S. Army Contracting Command at Aberdeen Proving Ground, marks a significant step in Bulgaria’s ongoing effort to modernize its land forces and align with NATO operational standards.
Under the agreement, Teledyne FLIR Defense will provide nearly 200 sensor kits to enhance Bulgaria’s Stryker fleet, which is being procured to replace aging Soviet-era armored vehicles. The program is designed to improve situational awareness, threat detection, and operational interoperability with allied forces during joint exercises and deployments.
The Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition (RSTA) systems included in the contract offer 360-degree situational awareness, high-resolution thermal imaging, and long-range detection capabilities for both day and night operations. According to Teledyne FLIR, these capabilities will allow Bulgarian Stryker crews to detect, identify, and track potential threats in complex battlefield environments while sharing information across command networks.
Key components of the sensor package include the TacFLIR 280 HDEP electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) system, the Ranger R20SS long-range radar, and the Cameleon control software. The TacFLIR 280 HDEP is a stabilized imaging system widely used on both ground and aerial platforms. It delivers high-resolution visuals at extended ranges and enables persistent observation whether the vehicle is stationary or on the move. The Ranger R20SS radar provides long-range ground surveillance, capable of detecting personnel and vehicles across varied terrain. The Cameleon software integrates all sensor data into a unified interface, allowing crews to efficiently manage detection and tracking tasks.
Dr. JihFen Lei, president of Teledyne FLIR Defense, highlighted the strategic importance of the program, stating, “This initiative will help a key NATO ally upgrade its force capabilities, boost interoperability within NATO, and improve situational awareness.”
The sensor integration is part of a broader Stryker procurement program aimed at replacing Bulgaria’s outdated Soviet-designed armored fleet, which has struggled to meet modern operational and interoperability requirements. The U.S.-made vehicles, combined with the advanced FLIR sensor packages, are expected to significantly enhance mobility, survivability, and battlefield awareness for Bulgarian land forces.
Bulgaria’s investment in Strykers reflects a broader effort to modernize its military in line with NATO standards. Since joining the alliance, the country has undertaken a series of reforms, including the acquisition of Western armored vehicles, updated communications systems, and advanced support equipment. The new fleet, equipped with American sensor suites, will allow Bulgarian units to operate seamlessly alongside allied forces without relying on legacy systems that are incompatible with NATO operations.
The integration of these sensor systems is expected to have a major impact on Bulgaria’s reconnaissance and force protection capabilities. The TacFLIR 280 HDEP, for instance, allows for high-resolution monitoring over extended ranges, supporting both strategic observation and tactical engagement. Meanwhile, the Ranger R20SS radar enables early detection of moving threats, enhancing reaction times during critical missions. By centralizing sensor control through Cameleon software, crews can respond more effectively to evolving battlefield scenarios and share real-time intelligence with command units.
Teledyne FLIR Defense is a longstanding supplier of advanced electro-optical, infrared, and radar systems to NATO members and partner nations. Its equipment is widely deployed on armored vehicles, aircraft, and naval platforms, supporting reconnaissance, targeting, and surveillance missions. The company’s latest contract with Bulgaria reinforces its role as a key provider of defense technology for allied militaries seeking to modernize and improve operational readiness.
For Bulgaria, the Stryker program represents one of the largest investments in its ground forces in recent years. Officials have emphasized that the new vehicles, coupled with modern sensor systems, will provide the army with improved mobility, better situational awareness, and enhanced protection for personnel. The program is also expected to facilitate interoperability with NATO forces during joint exercises and multinational operations, ensuring Bulgaria can contribute effectively to alliance missions.
Military analysts note that Bulgaria’s modernization efforts come amid growing regional security challenges and increasing pressure to maintain NATO readiness standards. By replacing obsolete platforms with U.S.-supplied Strykers equipped with advanced sensor technology, Bulgaria is positioning its land forces to meet contemporary operational demands and improve tactical coordination with allies.
As the program moves forward, installation of the FLIR sensor kits will be integrated into the broader vehicle delivery schedule managed through U.S. Army contracting channels. Once operational, the system is expected to provide Bulgarian forces with a substantial increase in reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities, enhancing both national defense and collective security within the NATO framework.
The $32 million Teledyne FLIR Defense contract underscores Bulgaria’s commitment to modernizing its military capabilities while reinforcing NATO interoperability. With high-tech sensor systems and a modern armored fleet, Bulgarian forces are poised to operate more effectively in complex operational environments, bridging the gap between legacy equipment and modern battlefield requirements.
