site.btaPM Rumen Radev Discusses Defense Manufacturing Partnership with Axon

Prime Minister Rumen Radev and Axon Senior Vice President for Global Sales Programs and Partnerships Nathan Sawtell discussed cooperation with Bulgarian companies in producing high-tech defence and security products, the government press service said on Tuesday.

Axon develops advanced defence and security technologies, including conducted energy weapons, body-worn cameras and drone and counter-drone systems. The company is interested in expanding its manufacturing capacity through partnerships with Bulgarian companies, the press service said.

“The unstable global security environment and the rapid development of AI and new technologies require the highest level of preparedness for emerging challenges, particularly in defence and national security. Bulgaria has the capacity to manufacture drone and counter-drone systems and is actively seeking opportunities to expand and further develop these capabilities through state-of-the-art technological solutions,” Radev said.

Sawtell said Axon had a long-standing presence in Europe and viewed Bulgaria as a reliable partner offering excellent investment opportunities.

The two sides noted that Bulgarian companies’ capabilities and the country’s strong partnerships within the EU and NATO provided a solid foundation for realizing Bulgaria’s industrial potential and developing its defence industry.

The number of Bulgarian exhibitors at the 17th International Defence Equipment and Services Exhibition HEMUS 2026 rose by nearly 34% from the 2024 edition. The exhibition took place in Plovdiv in early June.