Bulgarian weapons in Ukraine (photos)

Ukraine's Territorial Defence Forces have been equipped with Bulgarian anti-tank weapons, the Ukrainian Defence Ministry said on December 19.

Bulgarian anti-tank grenade launchers have already been sent to the Territorial Defence Forces of Ukraine. A separate brigade of the Territorial Defence has made a demonstration with the newly acquired weapons on 17.12, the publication reads.

However, it is not clear from the release whether these weapons are part of the military aid to Ukraine voted by the Bulgaria’s Parliament a few days ago or private supplies.

The anti-tank weapons are intended to destroy tanks, self-propelled artillery systems and other armoured vehicles, as well as to destroy enemy forces.

Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov is visiting Ukraine

The brigade said that with the new weapons, Ukrainian anti-tank units have trained and demonstrated their ability to engage enemy armoured vehicles and live forces.

The ministry said that the anti-tank weapons were equipped with special optical systems, as well as Bulgarian shells and explosives, which were also supplied.

This type of weapons can destroy enemy forces in shelters and brick buildings, the Ukrainian MoD website also said.

According to the manufacturer, which the Ukrainian MoD refers to as the “Arsenal” plant, these shells can penetrate armour from 300 millimetres and hit targets at a distance of 1.3 kilometres. The anti-tank weapons are manufactured by Arsenal in Bulgaria.

The Ukrainian MoD also said that another type of Bulgarian anti-tank weapons had also entered service with the Ukrainian army. Bulgaria conclusively decided on arms supplies to Ukraine last Friday.