On July 16, 2025, at an official ceremony at the Ministry of Defence, a Memorandum for Improving Interaction between the Bulgarian Defence Industry and the Executive Authorities was signed between the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Innovation and Growth, the Ministry of Economy and Industry, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) and the Association “Bulgarian Defence Industry – Acad. Stefan Vodenicharov”. The point of contact for the implementation of the Memorandum on behalf of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences is the Director of the Center for National Security and Defence Research (CNSDR-BAS) – Mr. Kamen Iliev.

The national scientific and expert potential in the field is mainly concentrated in the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and its development has a key role both for the establishment of an effective security and defence system in Bulgaria and for the integration of Bulgarian science and industry in EU and NATO initiatives. In this regard, in July 2025, CNSDR-BAS launched a study to assess the capacities and capabilities of BAS institutes and units in the field, and on this basis a Strategy for the Development of Defence, Security and Space Research and Technology, with a focus on dual use, within the Academy and a Plan for its implementation will be developed. The next steps include the practical implementation of specific measures and activities, initially within BAS and subsequently multiplied at national level.

Bulgarian News Agency, 16.07.2025: Urgent Rearmament Sparks Closer Ties Between European Defence Industries, Says Bulgarian Minister