The IMPROVATE forum brought together the Bulgarian services and the Israeli military technology elite
- office improvate
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Drones, cyber defense, maritime security, and artificial intelligence were the themes of this year’s IMPROVATE:
Israel–Bulgaria Defense-Tech Showcase in Sofia.
However, behind the technological vocabulary, a deeper theme was evident – how Bulgaria will position itself in the new era of defense alliances and digital warfare.
Sofia hosted a high-profile meeting organized by the international platform IMPROVATE, which connects leading Israeli companies in the field of defense and technology with key institutions from the security sector in Bulgaria.
Participants included former President of Bulgaria (2012–2017) Rosen Plevneliev, Deputy Ministers of Defense and Interior, as well as MPs, including the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Defense Hristo Gadzhev. The forum also brought together representatives of the Bulgarian army, intelligence services, and the military industry, focusing on practical and proven solutions in support of the modernization of Bulgarian defense capabilities.
Participants had the opportunity to learn about innovative Israeli technologies in the fields of counter-drones, cyber defense, precision weapons, maritime and coastal security, as well as the integration of next-generation platforms.
The event included live presentations, thematic roundtables and one-on-one meetings focused on Bulgaria’s specific operational needs. Israeli systems, fully compatible with NATO standards, opened up new opportunities for cooperation, technology transfer, joint production and industrial partnerships.
Key topics included the challenges of hybrid warfare, cyber threats and security in the Black Sea region – areas where Israeli industry offers proven solutions applicable to strengthening national and regional resilience.
The Israeli Ambassador to Bulgaria, H.E. Yossi Levi Sfari, welcomed the participants and organizers, emphasizing that investments in scientific research and technological development are the key to sustainable security.
He noted that expanding Bulgarian-Israeli cooperation in the defense industry is in the interest of both countries, especially against the backdrop of Bulgaria’s ambition to develop its defense base and the growing requirements of the EU and NATO for the modernization of the armed forces.
"Israeli companies don't come just to sell. They come to share experience, knowledge and technology, and build long-term partnerships."
With the IMPROVATE: Israel–Bulgaria Defense-Tech Showcase forum, Bulgaria and Israel confirmed their readiness to build a new level of strategic trust - through a shared vision of security in an increasingly unpredictable world.