Bulgaria breaks ground on massive space and defence hub at Dobroslavtsi
The project transforms an abandoned military airfield into a high-tech R&D center aimed at becoming Europe's largest space development facility.
Bulgaria has officially launched construction of a high-tech industrial park and R&D center at the former Dobroslavtsi military airfield near Sofia. The project marks a strategic effort to integrate space technology and defence research into a single, massive infrastructure hub.
Developed by Bulgarian satellite manufacturer EnduroSat, the facility is designed to be the largest space development center in Europe. The site, a military airfield that had remained unused for 25 years, will be transformed into a complex featuring a Space Technology Development Centre, an educational campus, and a National Centre for Space Data Observation, Coordination and Management. To facilitate the project's implementation, the Bulgarian government has approved a memorandum of understanding with Starbase Europe EOOD.
Infrastructure and Scale
The first phase of construction is expected to span three years, focusing on the restoration of the airfield's runway and the creation of a green zone. The scale of the hub is intended to accommodate the next generation of space hardware; the facility is being designed to handle satellites that approach the mass of a Boeing 737 aircraft.
Raycho Raychev, the founder and owner of EnduroSat, stated that the goal is to build the largest space R&D center and defence and military systems development center in Europe. This ambition is supported by EnduroSat's existing footprint in Sofia, where the company already operates a 17,500 square meter manufacturing center. The company is further backed by the European Innovation Council (EIC) as it pursues a goal to become Europe's largest space infrastructure company by revenue by 2030.
Strategic Implications
This transition represents a broader economic shift for Bulgaria, moving from a consumer of foreign technology to a primary creator. By focusing on space-based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and high-tech exports, the country aims to secure a leadership role within the European space-defence ecosystem. The inclusion of a dedicated educational campus suggests a long-term plan to cultivate a pipeline of space engineering graduates to sustain the industry.
Prime Minister Rumen Radev highlighted the importance of the project, noting that the development finally initiates the creation of a national center for observation, coordination, and management based on space data—a vision he has advocated for since 2020.
Future Outlook
As construction progresses over the next three years, the hub is expected to align with European Union efforts to integrate defence and space research. While the initial focus remains on runway restoration and basic infrastructure, the long-term success of the hub will depend on its ability to attract the massive private investment and technical talent required to maintain its scale. Observers will be watching to see how the partnership with Starbase Europe EOOD accelerates the deployment of the National Centre for Space Data.