Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria – Bulgaria is preparing to launch large-scale drone production within the next year and a half to support both military and civilian needs, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth Tomislav Donchev announced on Friday.
The statement was made during the conference “Consolidation of the European Defense Industry – Opportunities and Challenges”, held in Veliko Tarnovo under Donchev’s patronage.
Organized by the Polish Embassy in Sofia, the European Commission’s Representation in Bulgaria, and the Veliko Tarnovo Municipality, the event focused on boosting Europe’s collective defense capabilities amid shifting geopolitical realities.
“We are not just talking about future potential — we are seizing the moment,” Donchev declared. “Within two years, Bulgaria will begin drone production. This is a strategic leap forward for our defense industry.”
Donchev also pointed to recent achievements, including the establishment of a gunpowder factory, as examples of the country’s commitment to reindustrialization in the defense sector.
Emphasizing the need to renew cooperation between the military and Bulgarian industry, he called for collaborative innovation involving enterprises and scientific institutions from across the European Union.
“This is not a task to be undertaken by individual nations alone,” he said. “We must mobilize the full potential of all EU member states.”
The Deputy Prime Minister warned of the risks of an imbalanced industrial landscape in Europe, cautioning against the emergence of “producer” and “consumer” countries — or “economic deserts,” as he described them.
He advocated for balanced regional development, identifying cities along European Transport Corridor 9 — including Veliko Tarnovo, Ruse, Gabrovo, Kazanlak, Plovdiv, and Stara Zagora — as future hubs for defense manufacturing.
Ammunition production remains a key priority, Donchev said, stating that Bulgaria must be able to produce munitions for every weapons system in use by its armed forces. “We cannot depend on external suppliers for our basic defense needs,” he added.
Donchev also emphasized the importance of Europe’s self-reliance in defense. “The resources are there — both in national budgets and in EU-level funds, including through credit instruments,” he noted. “It is time for smart investment to fuel innovation not just for military but also for civilian applications.”
On the subject of gunpowder factories, Donchev revealed that construction is planned in the coming years and that discussions are ongoing with both private investors and state-owned entities.
Despite the volatility of the global political landscape, Donchev assured that Bulgaria is firmly committed to investing billions of levs in defense industry modernization.
He cited recent acquisitions for the Bulgarian Armed Forces, including new fighter aircraft, naval equipment, and Stryker armored vehicles.
However, he stressed that more needs to be done: “We must focus now on our current needs and capabilities — and that includes new artillery systems and the domestic capacity to supply ammunition for every platform in our military.”
With the government’s sights set on revitalizing and expanding Bulgaria’s defense sector, drone production appears set to become a cornerstone of the country’s long-term strategic industrial plans.