Bulgaria
Bulgaria will establish a €43.5 million defense technology center in Kazanlak, with eight laboratories focused on AI, autonomous systems, advanced materials, cybersecurity and counter-drone technologies.
Bulgaria
Following multiple drone attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea, Sofia has requested additional NATO aircraft, air-defense missiles and counter-drone capabilities as security concerns intensify along the alliance's southeastern flank.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria has selected 94 defense and dual-use manufacturing projects for €61.5 million in EU funding, including VMZ, Dunarit, Samel-90 and MTG Dolphin.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria has advanced plans for five additional IRIS-T air defense systems under a €1.106 billion SAFE-backed program covering six systems and support equipment.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is restructuring its Rheinmetall ammunition project, targeting completion within 30 months while seeking full technology transfer.
Bulgaria
Poland’s WB Group and Bulgaria’s Optix will prepare a plan for local assembly and support of TOPAZ, FONET and COMP@N systems for artillery.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria will deploy counter-drone systems at critical infrastructure and tighten security around arms factories and ammunition depots after repeated incidents.
Analysis
Soviet-designed aircraft, air defenses, tanks and IFVs remain in several NATO forces in 2026, even as Western replacements enter service.
Bulgaria
Bulgarian Navy teams recovered drones and UAV debris at multiple Black Sea locations as unexplained objects continue to reach Bulgaria's coast.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria ratified agreements to acquire seven minehunters from Belgium and the Netherlands, expanding its Black Sea mine warfare fleet from three to ten ships.
Bulgaria
Bulgarian Navy teams recovered or destroyed multiple drones along the Black Sea coast as Sofia linked the incidents to fighting near Odesa and Izmail.
Bulgaria
Two US KC-135 tankers have left Bulgaria’s Bezmer Air Base after a deployment linked to support for US operations in the Middle East.