Deputy Minister David Sukalinski: Bulgarian defense enterprises are innovative, high-tech and competitive

The Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Dr. David Sukalinski held meetings with Bulgarian and foreign companies. "We strive to maintain a constant dialogue with the defense industry sector, appreciating its importance both for the security and defense, as well as for the economy of our country," he emphasized during the tour of the International Exhibition of Defense Products and Services "Hemus 2024". According to him, as a result of the joint cooperation of state institutions, business and scientific research organizations, companies from the sector have the opportunity to implement investment projects, expand their production capacities, implement innovations and increase their competitiveness.

"Bulgarian defense enterprises actively participate and perform successfully both in the highly competitive international tender procedures announced by NATO and its structures, as well as in the current European programs to support the defense industry," said Dr. David Sukalinski. According to him, our companies are innovative, high-tech, competitive and adaptable.

The Ministry of Economy and Industry ensures the participation of Bulgarian companies in NATO's international tender procedures for the implementation of projects under the Security Investment Program and in support of missions and operations. The department maintains a database of potential candidates for participation in NATO procedures, informs about upcoming international NATO procedures and issues Declarations of Compliance for nominating Bulgarian companies for participation in announced tenders.

Bulgarian companies actively participate in tenders of NATO and its structures. In 2023, they executed contracts worth over €40 million for the two largest NATO agencies - the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) and the NATO Support and Supply Agency (NSPA).

"These results show that Bulgarian companies can fully meet the high criteria and expectations of the EU and are capable of participating as a full-fledged partner in consortia alongside the large international corporations," said Deputy Minister Sukalinski.

The official opening of the 16th edition of "Hemus 2024" at the Plovdiv fair was yesterday and the exhibition will continue until June 8. This year's theme is "Defence, Anti-Terrorism and Security". At Hemus 2024, 147 companies from 25 countries will present innovations in the defense industry. This year, 7 new countries are included in the exhibition, making it the largest since its inception. "Hemus 2024" is held under the patronage of the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Economy and Industry.