As reported by BNR.BG on March 25, 2025, the International Armored Group (IAG) officially commenced production of armored vehicles at its newly opened plant in Burgas, a coastal city on the Black Sea. This milestone marks the operational start of IAG’s first production facility in Bulgaria, inaugurated during an official ceremony in October 2024. The site spans 150,000 square meters and is the result of an investment exceeding BGN 20 million. The facility was constructed by Glavbolgarstroy Plovdiv and will serve global markets with military vehicles built to NATO standards. Initial production activities are being carried out by 50 newly hired Bulgarian specialists, with the workforce expected to grow to at least 300.
In parallel with vehicle production, the Burgas plant is engaged in the development of a new generation of military systems in cooperation with Bulgarian entities.
At the core of the Burgas plant’s mission is the close integration between IAG and Bulgarian partners. The company has partnered with domestic defense industry firms and research organizations, including the Tsvetan Lazarov Defense Institute, the G. S. Rakovski Military Academy, and the Vasil Levski National University. These collaborations span technical development, research, and training efforts. Bulgarian participation in the production process is significant, with local units accounting for approximately 65% of the components used in high-tech rescue and reconnaissance drones. Local specialists are working alongside engineers and technicians from IAG’s other global facilities, which include sites in the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom.