President Iliana Yotova Opens the 17th International Defence Products and Services Exhibition HEMUS 2026
“As an external border of both the European Union and NATO, Bulgaria has an important role to play in strengthening security and developing the necessary infrastructure in the region, particularly in the Black Sea area. There can be no prosperity without security, just as there can be no freedom without the means to defend it. Defence spending is therefore an investment in new technologies and innovation, in manufacturing opportunities that create jobs and added value, and ultimately in improving living standards.” With these words, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Bulgarian Armed Forces Iliana Yotova officially opened the 17th International Defence Products and Services Exhibition HEMUS 2026. The President noted that over the years the exhibition has established itself as an important forum for developing solutions in the field of security and building partnerships between public institutions, the academic and scientific communities, and the business sector. “Modern defence capabilities and production rely heavily on the highest levels of technological development, as well as on secure and sustainable manufacturing,” Iliana Yotova stated. She emphasised that the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East have led to a reassessment of defence policies. Among the key challenges facing the sector, she highlighted insufficient production capacity, insecure supply chains and a lack of coordination among EU Member States. “Bulgaria’s defence industry has a long and distinguished tradition, while today it is also implementing cutting-edge technologies in cooperation with the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the country’s universities,” President Yotova told participants at the exhibition. The President expressed her expectation that the SAFE mechanism would provide greater opportunities for Bulgarian companies to participate in the defence industry. She also highlighted the importance of research and development in defence modernisation. President Yotova noted that the proposed next EU Multiannual Financial Framework includes substantial funding for strengthening defence capabilities, while expressing concern that only 15% is planned for research activities. “In recent years, the issue of greater defence independence for the European Union has repeatedly been raised, but a considerable amount of time has been lost,” she added. The President reviewed the ceremonial formation of the Bulgarian National Guards Unit and toured the exhibition, praising both the organisers and the host venue, International Fair Plovdiv. Fernet Bulgaria constructed the exhibition stand for Israel Aerospace Industries, commissioned by and based on the design of Beiman-Cohen-Biran Exhibition.
