Bulgaria is among six EU countries with its own space infrastructure capacity
SOFIA (Bulgaria), February 18, 2026 – Bulgaria Sat, operator of Bulgaria's first geostationary communications satellite, BulgariaSat-1, announced a new phase in its strategic development, focused on delivering secure satellite communications (secure SATCOM), integrated end-to-end solutions and services for defense, security and critical infrastructure, as well as research and development activities with the potential for industrial production in Bulgaria.
"This strategic shift positions Bulgaria among the six EU countries with their own space infrastructure capacity, and Bulgaria Sat is now part of Europe's efforts to strengthen communications sovereignty. We have built unique expertise and today operate space infrastructure entirely from Bulgaria, by Bulgarian engineers. This in combination with our geostationary satellite in high orbit, constitutes a national strategic asset."
The operator of Bulgaria's first geostationary communications satellite, BulgariaSat-1, is expanding beyond traditional telecommunications services and positioning the satellite as strategic communications capacity in response to growing European requirements for security, resilience and communications sovereignty.
Strategic Development Focus
The new strategy includes the provision of guaranteed satellite capacity for government institutions, communications solutions for critical infrastructure such as energy and transport, integration of satellite capacity with ground infrastructure and operational management, as well as the development of a new generation of secure ground terminals with a view to future serial production in Bulgaria.
"We are developing a new generation of ground terminals for secure communications via geostationary orbit, with the objective of future serial production in Bulgaria," Zayakov said. He added that the space sector has a strong multiplier effect, with every investment in satellite infrastructure and technology generating demand for software, electronics, ground systems and highly skilled professionals. "If we harness this strategic potential within our economy, the impact on the technological ecosystem could be transformative."
EU GovSatCom Initiative Alignment
The strategic transformation is aligned with the European Union's GovSatCom initiative, through which the EU is building a framework for the coordinated use of secure satellite communications to support governmental institutions, defense and security, critical infrastructure management and crisis response across Member States, while reducing dependence on non-European operators.
The European model is based on a public-private partnership approach, whereby the state defines the requirements and control at EU level through the GOVSATCOM initiative, operators provide technological implementation and satellite capacity, and the use of that secure satellite capacity by EU Member States generates sustainable revenue for the national budget of the state providing the capacity.
"Secure communications are an integral part of the resilience of both the state and the economy. Bulgaria has a real advantage — its own geostationary capacity, which can be effectively leveraged within a European framework."
He added that Bulgaria is one step away from joining France, Spain, Luxembourg, Italy and Greece as one of the six EU countries possessing such strategic assets and becoming an active provider of security in Europe and beyond.
Strategic Coverage and Capabilities
BulgariaSat-1 provides coverage across the Balkans, the Black Sea region, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa — regions of strategic importance for defense, border control, energy and crisis management. The geostationary orbit ensures stable and predictable capacity, traditionally used for governmental and defense communications.
"Bulgaria's geographic location, its strategic role in Southeast Europe and the Black Sea region, its membership in the EU and NATO, combined with the fact that the country operates its own geostationary communications satellite — BulgariaSat-1 — position Bulgaria and Bulgarian businesses as a net provider of secure satellite communications and an integral part of the broader European effort," Zayakov added.
Economic Impact and Development
The development of the secure satellite communications sector and related ground technologies has the potential to generate high-tech employment, foster integration among software and engineering companies, and create sustainable revenue streams from the provision of satellite capacity.
"Secure satellite communications are part of the critical infrastructure of the modern state. Bulgaria already has the infrastructure and the expertise to play an active role at the European level in this strategic domain," Zayakov concluded.
About Bulgaria Sat
Bulgaria Sat is a private company and the operator of BulgariaSat-1, Bulgaria's first geostationary communications satellite, launched in 2017. The company provides secure satellite communications and end-to-end services, including satellite capacity integration, ground infrastructure, and operational management for defense, security, critical infrastructure, and crisis management needs. BulgariaSat-1 provides coverage across Southeast Europe, the Black Sea region, Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, supporting a wide range of satellite services.