HEMUS International Defense Equipment and Services Exhibition

PLOVDIV, Bulgaria – U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment attended HEMUS International Defense Equipment and Services Exhibition and showcased the U.S. Army’s Stryker infantry carrier vehicle in addition to the joint light tactical vehicle and the RQ-11 small unmanned aircraft system at International Fair Plovdiv, Bulgaria, June 1-4, 2022. HEMUS is a biennial event that specializes in showcasing international defense equipment in order to assist and promote the modernization of defense and security under the patronage of the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Bulgaria.

HEMUS 2022 celebrated its 15th iteration with opening statements made by the President of the Republic of Bulgaria and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Rumen Radev, followed by a flyover event involving a MI-17 helicopter and two Mig-29 aircraft from the Bulgarian Air Force.

Mr. Kevin Marcus, director of Strategy, Plans and Policy, U.S. Army Europe and Africa says, “The U.S. Army is here to support Bulgaria’s efforts to modernize and reach its NATO Capability Targets as well as engage with our Allies and partners and demonstrate our presence and capability.”

The exhibition was also visited by foreign delegations and guests from 15 different countries including Algeria, Brazil, Greece, Egypt, North Macedonia, Moldova, Iraq, Spain, Cameroon, Qatar, Poland, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Finland, France; as well as visitors from about 50 countries worldwide.

“Attending trade shows, like HEMUS, gives us a great opportunity to enhance defense cooperation with our Allies, particularly those in the increasingly significant Black Sea region,” said Marcus.

Maj. Joshua Dusing and his Soldiers from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment brought two variants of the Stryker, the XM1296 dragoon, and the standard M1126 infantry carrier vehicle. The soldiers were enthusiastic to explain the capabilities of their equipment and how it could be used to enhance interoperability between the U.S., Bulgaria, and other partners and Allies in NATO and throughout the region.

"The U.S. was very well-represented at the HEMUS defense exhibition by the outstanding Soldiers of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment and their Stryker and Joint Light Tactical Vehicles. Their presence shows that the U.S. stands shoulder to shoulder with our Bulgarian allies. The U.S. is proud to be partnering with the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense in its ambitious modernization efforts and we intend to continue working closely together in meeting common security needs,” said Ambassador Herro Mustafa, U.S. Embassy Sofia.

The U.S. Army’s participation in HEMUS 2022 allows the development of security cooperation and strategic engagement to advance modernization and interoperability with other U.S. agencies, allies and foreign partners. Bulgaria is a steadfast and gracious host, and the U.S. is honored to continue our long-term cooperation through engagements such as bilateral exchanges to improve partnership.