Ukraine signed a 10-year defense agreement with Bulgaria to jointly produce drones and other weapons, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced.
The deal, reached during a visit by Bulgarian interim Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov, aims to strengthen bilateral security cooperation and adapt to fast-evolving drone technologies crucial in Ukraine’s war with Russia.
Bulgaria, a NATO and EU member, has deep roots in arms manufacturing under Soviet standards-compatible with Ukraine’s military systems. Nearly 4% of Bulgaria’s GDP comes from its thriving defense sector, bolstered since Russia's 2022 invasion.
"This is not a mere formality, but a joint commitment to our Euro-Atlantic security," Gyurov said alongside Zelenskyy.
The pact follows similar agreements with Gulf states including Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar. Ukraine will supply full air defense systems-including maritime drones, electronic warfare tech, and interception software-to counter Iranian-backed threats.
Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukrainian-made Magura-V5 sea drones are part of these export deals, emphasizing their success against Russian targets in the Black Sea.
The 10-year framework is designed to boost Ukraine’s global arms presence while securing critical defense resources at home. Zelenskyy highlighted shortages in advanced missile systems like the PAC-3 for Patriot defenses, noting many are diverted to conflict zones in the Middle East.
"We understand that we are not selling our experience for nothing," he said, underscoring the strategic value of battle-tested equipment.