DBDC INTERNATIONAL DEFENCE PUBLICATIONS & EVENTS UK LTD

DBDC International Defence Publications & Events Ltd. participated in HEMUS 2026 as an official media partner, covering the exhibition through its publications EUROATLANTIC Defence News, African Security and Greek Defence News. During the exhibition, DBDC distributed the latest editions of all three magazines to exhibitors, military delegations, government officials, and defence industry representatives, further strengthening its role as a leading defence media organization connecting industry stakeholders across Europe, Africa, and the Eastern Mediterranean.

The XVII International Defence Equipment and Services Exhibition HEMUS 2026 demonstrated the continued expansion of Bulgaria’s defence and security sector, bringing together nearly 200 companies from Bulgaria and abroad to showcase the latest military technologies, defence systems, and security solutions.

Held in Plovdiv under the patronage of Bulgaria’s Ministries of Defence, Economy, Innovation, and Digital Transformation, HEMUS remains one of Southeastern Europe’s most important defence exhibitions, providing a platform for industry leaders, military officials, researchers, and government representatives to exchange ideas and present cutting-edge technologies.

According to the organizers, participation at HEMUS 2026 increased significantly compared to the previous edition. A total of 197 companies took part in the exhibition, compared to 157 exhibitors in 2024, representing growth of more than 25 percent. Bulgarian participation rose particularly strongly, reaching 107 companies, while foreign exhibitors increased to 90 companies. The event also welcomed 17 foreign military and governmental delegations, highlighting its growing international profile.

During the official opening ceremony, Bulgarian Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov emphasized that this year’s exhibition reflected the evolving character of modern warfare and security requirements. The technological focus of HEMUS 2026 centered on cybersecurity, advanced communications, autonomous systems, unmanned technologies, artificial intelligence applications, and intelligent command-and-control solutions.

Particular attention was given to the rapid development of unmanned systems, including tactical and operational drones, counter-UAS capabilities, autonomous surveillance platforms, and network-enabled battlefield management technologies. These areas have become increasingly important as armed forces worldwide seek to adapt to lessons learned from contemporary conflicts and emerging security threats.

A key theme throughout the exhibition was the modernization of the Bulgarian Armed Forces. Minister Stoyanov highlighted the opportunities created through the European Union’s SAFE mechanism, which aims to strengthen both military capabilities and industrial capacity across member states. Bulgaria’s National SAFE Plan includes nine major projects designed to accelerate the modernization of the country’s armed forces and develop critical defence capabilities.

The minister also noted that Bulgaria is among the national defence investment plans approved by the European Commission, with an investment package valued at approximately €3.2 billion expected to support capability development and create new opportunities for the domestic defence industry through joint European projects and procurement programs.

Exhibitors presented a broad range of technologies, including armored vehicle solutions, communications equipment, electronic warfare systems, surveillance technologies, weapons systems, ammunition, cybersecurity platforms, and next-generation unmanned systems. The exhibition also provided opportunities for business-to-business meetings, international cooperation discussions, and engagement between industry representatives and military decision-makers.

Established in 1995 and organized by the Hemus 95 Foundation, HEMUS has evolved into a key regional event for defence and security industries. The strong growth recorded at HEMUS 2026 reflects both increasing international interest in the Bulgarian defence market and the broader modernization efforts taking place across Europe’s defence sector.

As defence spending continues to rise across NATO and Europe, HEMUS 2026 demonstrated Bulgaria’s ambition to strengthen its position as an important contributor to regional defence capabilities, technological innovation, and international industrial cooperation. Through its media partnership and on-site coverage, DBDC International Defence Publications & Events Ltd. contributed to promoting the exhibition’s achievements and facilitating communication between defence industries, military organizations, and decision-makers from across the international defence community.