Bulgaria
Ukraine and Bulgaria are preparing consultations on joint projects that could include a bilateral Drone Deal arrangement. The initiative was discussed during talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev.
Bulgaria
The Bulgarian government has endorsed a long-term plan that would gradually increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. The initiative includes major investments in military modernization, infrastructure, ammunition production, and defense-industrial development.
Analysis
Despite banning direct arms exports to Ukraine, Bulgaria has become an increasingly important supplier within Europe's defense-industrial supply chain.
HEMUS 2026
Advanced military technologies, unmanned systems, and next-generation security solutions are being showcased at HEMUS 2026 in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The exhibition has brought together defense manufacturers, military officials, and industry representatives.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria has begun hosting the multinational helicopter exercise Thracian Blade 2026 at Krumovo Air Base. Aircraft and personnel from allied and partner nations are deploying to southern Bulgaria for joint air operations and interoperability training.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria intends to gradually increase defense spending to 5% of gross domestic product in line with evolving NATO targets, Prime Minister Rumen Radev said during talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels.
Bulgaria
Only a small portion of Bulgaria’s defense production is allocated to the national armed forces, according to security experts speaking at a defense preparedness conference in Sofia.
Bulgaria
Bulgarian President Rumen Radev used a visit to Germany to advocate for a stronger role for Bulgaria within the European defense industrial base. Discussions in Berlin focused on industrial cooperation, investment, and Europe’s broader security and rearmament efforts.
Bulgaria
Several Bulgarian companies are participating in projects backed by more than €300 million in funding from the European Defence Fund. The initiatives focus on cyber defense, space technologies, and artificial intelligence.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is set to participate in eight new European Union defense initiatives under the PESCO framework. The projects span areas including military mobility, cyber defense, and unmanned systems. The move reflects Sofia’s continued alignment with EU capability development efforts.
Bulgaria
OPTIX JSC and FragaX have entered a strategic partnership to advance unmanned aerial system capabilities in Bulgaria. The cooperation will focus on ISR platforms, interceptors, and loitering systems. The initiative aims to strengthen domestic design and manufacturing capacity.
Bulgaria
Ukraine has concluded a 10-year agreement with elements of Bulgaria’s defense industry to support ammunition production and supply. The deal reflects Kyiv’s continued effort to secure long-term industrial partnerships amid ongoing war requirements.