KOTRA Operates Korean Pavilion at Bulgaria's Defense Exhibition

KOTRA announced that it operated a Korean promotional booth at the '2026 Bulgaria Defense Exhibition (HEMUS)' held in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, from June 3 for four days. The photo shows the Korean promotional booth at the exhibition. [Photo=KOTRA]

KOTRA has operated a K-defense promotional booth at the largest defense exhibition in the Balkans. This initiative comes as European countries increase their defense spending amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and instability in the Middle East, targeting the Eastern European market.

According to industry sources, KOTRA set up the Korean pavilion at the 'Bulgaria International Defense Industry Exhibition (HEMUS)' held in Plovdiv from June 3 for four days. Nine domestic defense companies, including Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, participated in the exhibition.

The participating companies showcased products related to mobility equipment, communication systems, and drones, while conducting export consultations with local governments and defense firms. Discussions on cooperation with government agencies and institutions also took place.

This event is a biennial showcase of the leading defense exhibition in the Balkans. This year's exhibition featured global defense companies such as Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin, along with the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense and local defense firms.

Bulgaria has recently accelerated its defense spending. Following the Russia-Ukraine war, uncertainties regarding Black Sea security have increased, highlighting the need for modernization to replace Soviet-era weapons. The Bulgarian government has also proposed a plan to gradually increase defense spending to about 5% of its GDP.

In the Eastern European defense market, there is a growing demand for package-type cooperation that includes not only the purchase of finished products but also local maintenance, parts supply, and technology transfer. Securing local partners has become a key factor in winning contracts for domestic defense companies.

KOTRA noted that it identified cooperation needs in the fields of drones, anti-drone technology, communication equipment, and training aircraft during the exhibition. Having participated consecutively since 2024, KOTRA aims to continue discovering local partners and follow-up consultations.

A procurement official from the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense who visited the Korean pavilion stated, "Korean defense technology and reliability are already well-known in the European market. We expect various partnerships, including not only the purchase of weapon systems but also technology cooperation and local investment between our two countries."

Jang Seong-gil, head of KOTRA's Defense Industry Trade Support Center, remarked, "Bulgaria is investing in the modernization of its defense sector in response to changes in the security environment. We will continue to leverage the network established through the exhibition for follow-up virtual consultations and partnership opportunities."

* This article has been translated by AI.

SEONGJUN JO