State-owned Bulgarian arms producer VMZ Sopot signed a technology transfer contract with Israel Aeronautics, allowing VMZ Sopot to produce unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), the economy ministry said.
“The contract will give VMZ Sopot the opportunity for its own brand of Bulgarian unmanned aerial vehicles, their service and maintenance,” the ministry said in a statement after the signing.
Adi Cohen, marketing director at Aeronautics, said the Israeli drone maker’s aim was to set up an assembly and production line of UAVs in Bulgaria and approach new markets with VMZ Sopot.
In June, during a visit to Jerusalem, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said the Balkan country was interested in joint drone production with Israel.
Israel rivals the United States as top UAV exporter and has co-operated with Russia and India on drone technologies.