--- eventsindex_id: "EI-02721" slug: hemus title: "HEMUS" title_alt: ["HEMUS International Defence Equipment and Services Exhibition", "HEMUS Defence Antiterrorism Security"] canonical_url: "https://eventsindex.org/events/hemus.html" next_edition_year: 2028 date_start: "2026-06-03" date_end: "2026-06-06" venue: "International Fair Plovdiv" city: "Plovdiv" country: "Bulgaria" organiser: "Foundation HEMUS" organiser_url: "https://www.hemusbg.org/" b2b: true vector: sector: [defence] audience: [military, government, industry, procurement, security, policy, researcher] format: [exhibition, conference, forum] purpose: [business, networking, procurement, policy, innovation] geography_scope: [pan-EMEA, regional] season: summer meta_description: "HEMUS 2026, Plovdiv Bulgaria, 3-6 June: 17th edition, 216 companies from 28 countries, live firings, delegations from 70+ countries. Biennial. Next: 2028." editorial_take: "Bulgaria's biennial HEMUS sits at the geopolitical crossroads where NATO Eastern Flank procurement meets Black Sea regional partners, giving exhibitors a rare simultaneous window into both EU/NATO buyers and non-aligned market interests." generated_by: "claude-max-cowork" last_verified: "2026-06-10" variables_filled: 40/58 language: "en" schema_version: "v6.0" --- # HEMUS > *HEMUS International Defence Equipment and Services Exhibition is Bulgaria's principal biennial defence trade show, held every two years at the International Fair Plovdiv. The 17th edition ran 3-6 June 2026 in Plovdiv, gathering 216 companies from 28 countries across seven thematic domains, with live firings, drone demonstrations, an International Scientific Conference, and official delegations invited from over 70 nations. The next edition is scheduled for 2028.* --- ## Quick Facts | DATES | VENUE | ORGANISER | ATTENDANCE | |---|---|---|---| | **3-6 June 2026 (past)** | **International Fair Plovdiv** | **Foundation HEMUS** | **216 companies / 28 countries** | | 4 days, biennial | Plovdiv, Bulgaria | Foundation (est. 1995) | delegations from 70+ countries invited | --- ## Definition HEMUS is the largest Bulgarian international defence and security exhibition, first held in 1995 and organised biennially since by Foundation HEMUS in partnership with International Fair Plovdiv. The 17th edition took place 3-6 June 2026 and covered seven thematic domains: Land Forces; Air Force; Navy; Joint Capabilities, Combat Support and Logistics; Security and Antiterrorism; Training, Education, Innovations and Scientific Activity; and Services and Information. Supported by the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Economy, and Ministry of Innovation, HEMUS provides a platform for EU and NATO member states, as well as partner countries outside those organisations, to display technologies, conduct procurement dialogues, and exchange expertise. The next edition is planned for 2028. ## History and origins HEMUS was established in 1995 as a dedicated Bulgarian national defence exhibition focused on strengthening national security and the domestic defence industry. Over 31 years and 17 editions the show grew from a nationally focused event into an internationally recognised exhibition. Bulgaria's accession to NATO in 2004 and the EU in 2007 broadened the exhibition's strategic positioning: HEMUS now serves both as a national industry showcase and as a meeting point between Western alliance buyers and Eastern and southern partners. Consistent editions across adverse conditions including anti-epidemic restrictions and geopolitical crises have demonstrated the exhibition's operational resilience. The Bulgarian Defence Industries Association (BDIA) serves as a co-organising partner alongside International Fair Plovdiv, the country's principal exhibition infrastructure operator. ## The 2026 edition: expanded floor and live firings HEMUS 2026 registered 216 companies and organisations from 28 countries. The number of Bulgarian exhibitors increased from 80 (in 2024) to 107, reflecting growing domestic defence industry activity. Foreign direct exhibitors rose from 77 to 90, a 17% increase. Total indoor exhibition space expanded by 34.5% compared to the previous edition. By the pre-event reporting date, 16-plus official delegations had confirmed attendance; delegations from ministries of defence of over 70 countries were invited. Key events within the 2026 programme included live firing demonstrations (sponsored by ATN Defence), a drone demonstration area, live demonstrations and static display, an Industrial Forum, an International Scientific Conference, a Czech Defence Industry Seminar, and a Business Meetings matchmaking service. ## Where HEMUS sits in the defence calendar HEMUS runs in early June of even years, placing it in a dense part of the calendar alongside Eurosatory (France) and IWA OutdoorClassics (Germany). However, its Balkan geography and regional political positioning give it a distinct audience: it is the only major defence exhibition held in South-East Europe and one of very few in an EU/NATO member state bordering non-member countries. This makes it attractive to exhibitors seeking access to Bulgarian, Romanian, Greek, Turkish, and Western Balkans procurement chains simultaneously. ## Who attends HEMUS Exhibitors range from major European and international prime contractors to Bulgarian domestic manufacturers and small and medium enterprises. The 2026 edition saw prominent platinum sponsors including SAGE Technologies and Apolo Engineering, and silver-level participation from HENSOLDT. The exhibition also features a Start-up Zone for innovation companies. Visitors include Bulgarian and international military officers, procurement officials from defence ministries, representatives of security services, law enforcement, emergency response units, academic and research institutions, and media. The final day of the exhibition is traditionally open to the general public. Official foreign delegations are formally invited through diplomatic channels, with delegations from more than 70 countries invited to the 2026 edition. ## What the HEMUS format includes The exhibition operates across indoor halls and outdoor areas at International Fair Plovdiv. The programme structure includes individual stands, national pavilions, and a dedicated Start-up Zone. Sub-events within the 2026 edition comprised: an International Scientific Conference on national security topics; an Industrial Forum for presentations and bilateral meetings with the Bulgarian defence industry; live firing demonstrations open to delegations and visitors; live demonstrations and a static display area; a drone demonstration zone; a Czech Defence Industry Seminar; and a formal Business Meetings scheduling service allowing pre-arranged bilateral appointments throughout the four days. ## What HEMUS covers Seven official domains: Land Forces; Air Force; Navy; Joint Capabilities, Combat Support and Logistics; Security and Antiterrorism; Training, Education, Innovations and Scientific Activity; Services and Information. Cross-cutting focus areas for the 2026 edition included unmanned aerial systems, counter-drone technologies, cybersecurity, strategic communications, autonomous surveillance systems, artificial intelligence, social media monitoring, disaster response, emergency management, and civil protection. ## The 2026 edition in numbers *(organiser-declared)* | | | |---|---| | Exhibiting companies and organisations | 216 | | Countries represented | 28 | | Bulgarian exhibitors | 107 (vs. 80 in 2024) | | Foreign direct exhibitors | 90 (vs. 77 in 2024) | | Indoor exhibition area growth (vs. 2024) | +34.5% | | Official delegations confirmed (pre-event) | 16+ | | Countries with invited delegations | 70+ | | Event duration | 4 days | --- ## FAQ - Identity and audience ### How often is HEMUS held? HEMUS is biennial, held every two years in even-numbered years. The 2026 edition (June 3-6) is the 17th. The next edition is scheduled for 2028. There was no edition in odd years. ### Is HEMUS open to the general public? The first three days (June 3-5 in 2026) are reserved for professional and B2B visitors. The final day (June 6) is traditionally open to the general public. Professional and official visitors require pre-registration via the HEMUS website. ### What sets HEMUS apart from other regional defence shows? HEMUS occupies a unique geographic and political position: Bulgaria is an EU and NATO member bordering Turkey, North Macedonia, Serbia, Romania, and Greece, placing Plovdiv at the interface between Western alliance procurement and regional partner markets. Live firings and drone demonstrations are standard programme features, giving it a technology demonstration depth unusual for events of its scale. --- ## The venue: International Fair Plovdiv International Fair Plovdiv (Mezhdunarodem Panair Plovdiv) is located in the centre of Plovdiv, at 37 Tzar Boris III Obedinitel Blvd, 4004 Plovdiv. The complex is one of Bulgaria's largest exhibition infrastructures and offers multiple pavilions, outdoor demonstration areas, and full logistics support. Plovdiv is Bulgaria's second-largest city and is connected to Sofia (160 km west) by motorway A1; Plovdiv Airport (PDV) offers limited international connections; most international visitors arrive via Sofia Airport (SOF) and transfer by road (approximately 2 hours by car or express bus). The city was designated European Capital of Culture in 2019. ## The organiser: Foundation HEMUS Foundation HEMUS is a Bulgarian non-profit foundation established in the mid-1990s to organise the biennial HEMUS exhibition. The foundation operates in close partnership with International Fair Plovdiv (main venue and infrastructure partner) and the Bulgarian Defence Industries Association (BDIA) as main partner. The exhibition is held under the auspices of the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Economy Investments and Industry, and Ministry of Innovation and Digital Transformation. The State Consolidation Company (State-owned defence holding) is also a partner. --- ## Editorial take *With three decades of continuity, live firing demonstrations as a standard feature, and a geographic position that gives exhibitors simultaneous access to NATO Eastern Flank buyers and non-EU Balkan and Black Sea procurement contacts, HEMUS punches well above what its scale suggests on the regional defence exhibition map.* --- ## How to register and what it costs Professional visitors register free of charge via the online registration form at hemusbg.org. Companies wishing to exhibit submit an Application Form available on the HEMUS website; exhibitor pricing is not disclosed on the public website. National pavilions and joint cluster expositions are available. A Start-up Zone provides beneficial conditions for innovation companies. Business meeting scheduling is managed via a dedicated online form on the HEMUS website. Media accreditation is available for accredited journalists. ## FAQ - Access and practicalities ### How do I get to Plovdiv from Sofia Airport? The most practical options are: rental car on the A1 motorway (approximately 1.5-2 hours); intercity bus from Sofia Central Bus Station to Plovdiv Central Bus Station (approximately 2 hours, frequent departures); or taxi/rideshare. Plovdiv has its own small airport (PDV) with limited Wizz Air and charter services from Western European cities; check availability at time of travel. ### What language is used at HEMUS? The official languages are Bulgarian and English. Signage, programme materials, and exhibitor communications are provided in both languages. Interpreter services may be arranged privately. ### Is accommodation available near the venue? International Fair Plovdiv is centrally located and well-served by Plovdiv's hotel stock. HEMUS provides a recommended accommodation list on its website. Early booking is advised as the city also receives general tourism traffic during June. --- ## First time at HEMUS? How to prepare - **Register as a professional visitor in advance.** Online registration via hemusbg.org is free and ensures faster badge pickup on arrival. General public access is available only on the final day (Day 4) without pre-registration. - **Book bilateral meetings ahead of time.** HEMUS offers a formal Business Meetings scheduling service. Log in and request appointments with exhibitors or delegations before the event; slots fill quickly once official delegations confirm. - **Plan for live demonstrations.** Live firings and drone demonstrations are signature HEMUS features and are timetabled events, not continuous. Obtain the daily programme schedule from the HEMUS website and block time for these; they are among the most attended moments of the exhibition. - **Allocate time for the scientific conference and industrial forum.** These sub-events run concurrently with the exhibition floor and address defence industry cooperation, technology trends, and procurement policy. They are attended by senior officials and offer networking in a more intimate setting than the trade floor. - **Prepare for June heat in Plovdiv.** Outdoor demonstration areas are exposed; bring sun protection. Indoor halls are air-conditioned but can be warm with large attendance. --- ## Resources | Resource | URL | |---|---| | Official website | https://www.hemusbg.org/en | | LinkedIn | not disclosed | | X | not disclosed | | YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@Hemus_IDEE | | Register (visitors) | https://www.hemusbg.org/visitors/registration-visitors | | Exhibitor registration | https://www.hemusbg.org/exhibitors/registration-exhibitors | | Programme | https://www.hemusbg.org/about-us/program | --- **Last verified:** 2026-06-10 **Next review:** 2027-06-10 **Notes:** HEMUS 2026 ran 3-6 June 2026 (now past); figures from BTA news agency reports and official organiser website. Final visitor totals not yet published at time of verification. Next edition 2028. Event marked as past; next_edition_year set to 2028. **Variables:** 40/58 **Concept definition:** applicable