site.btaUnmanned Aircraft System Operators from Bulgarian Land Forces Compete in Hawk Eye 2025

Operators of unmanned aircraft systems from the Bulgarian Land Forces' formations competed in Hawk Eye 25, the second competition of its kind, at the Lyulyak training centre near Stara Zagora on Thursday.  The competition and subsequent award ceremony were attended by President and Commander-in-Chief of the Bulgarian Armed Forces Rumen Radev, the Chief of Defence, Admiral Emil Efimov, the Commander of the Land Forces, Major General Deyan Deshkov, and other official guests. 

Guests at the competition had the opportunity to observe a static display of weapons and equipment. Unmanned aircraft systems were presented: Matrix 350, Teres 02, Phoenix 30, Aquilas, DJI mini 3 Pro, DJI mini 4 Pro, RAVEN, and Scan Eagle, as well as a dynamic display of the Matrix 350 and Aquilas unmanned aircraft systems, which are used by the Land Forces.

Admiral Efimov congratulated the Commander and personnel of the Land Forces for organizing the competition. He emphasized that the capabilities demonstrated on Thursday are the result of funds allocated from the State budget and military cooperation with the United States. 

The Chief of Defence pointed out that the ambition for next year is to include strike drones in the competition. He stated that in the new reality we find ourselves in, the development of anti-drone systems must go hand in hand.