Radar apparatus market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The Bulgarian radar apparatus market saw substantial growth from 2021 to 2023, with its value increasing from $3.1 million to $6.4 million. This expansion was rooted in long-term defense modernization efforts that began with the Bulgarian Air Force's 2018 plan to acquire six new radars by 2022, a project that included technology transfer proposals from international firms like Elta Systems, setting the stage for future market activity.

Market growth accelerated as these plans materialized into concrete procurement. In 2022, the government contracted laser measuring devices for police use and Israel Aerospace Industries presented its new-generation ELM-2084 multifunctional radar. The following year, Bulgaria entered negotiations with five major global defense companies—Thales, Elta Systems, Leonardo, Indra, and Lockheed Martin—for seven new 3D radars to modernize its air force and fully utilize newly acquired F-16 fighter jets. The subsequent likely contract award to Thales at a competitively reduced price directly contributed to the market's increased value.

Production radar apparatus in Bulgaria

According to Faostat, there is no production of radar apparatus in Bulgaria.

Exports radar apparatus from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, kg

Bulgaria's exports of radar apparatus declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country shipped 37 618 kg abroad, which represents an 18.6% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 19.1%, translating to an average annual decline of 6.8%. The peak was reached in 2018 at 53 007 kg, which also marked the largest annual increase of 14.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands was the main destination for Bulgaria's radar apparatus exports, accounting for 84.0% of the total volume. Other markets played a much smaller role during this period.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Bulgaria's radar apparatus exports in monetary terms also declined for two consecutive years. In 2020, exports totaled 3 952 thousand US dollars, down 13.8% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, the value of exports decreased by 17.8%, with an average annual decline of 6.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 5 114 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest annual increase of 6.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bulgaria in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In value terms from 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands dominated Bulgaria's radar apparatus exports, making up 74.4% of the total. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Bulgaria in value, 2017-2020

Imports radar apparatus to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, kg

Imports of radar apparatus into Bulgaria showed significant fluctuations during this period. Volumes reached their lowest point in 2020 at 11 117 kg, after peaking in 2019 at 40 424 kg, representing a 3.6-fold difference. In 2020, imports dropped sharply by 72.5% compared to the previous year. The largest annual increase occurred in 2019, at 43.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Czechia, the Netherlands, and Estonia—together accounted for 79.5% of Bulgaria's radar apparatus imports by volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Bulgaria's imports of radar apparatus in monetary terms declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 2 777 thousand US dollars, a sharp decrease of 62.8% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 6.8%, with an average annual decline of 2.3%. The peak value was in 2019 at 7 469 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 63.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bulgaria in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Czechia, the Netherlands, and Estonia were the primary suppliers of radar apparatus to Bulgaria in value terms, with shares of 43.8%, 31.1%, and 4.9%, respectively. Together, they accounted for 79.9% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Bulgaria in value, 2017-2020