Tag: Aerospace & Defense

Building the Software Backbone of European Defense: Real-Time, AI-Driven, and Distributed

by Agnes

As Europe moves to reinforce its defense capabilities amid rising global instability, a structural shift is underway in how defense systems are conceived and built. Rather than relying solely on traditional primes and centralized platforms, the next generation of European defense is becoming real-time, AI-driven, interoperable, and increasingly enabled by specialized technology firms.

One example of this transformation is Bulgaria’s Wiser Technology (BUL:WISR), a software engineering company that has quietly become a key contributor to several strategic NATO and EU-led defense programs. Over the past decade, Wiser has participated in more than a dozen EDF, EDIDP, and NATO-aligned initiatives — many in close collaboration with European defense primes, leading research institutes, and universities.

Wiser’s software solutions, from real-time data streaming to AI-assisted decision-making and secure communications, support major defense programs such as NATO’s Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS), the EDF-funded European Strategic Command and Control System (ESC2/E2C), and cyber defense and AI innovation projects like FaRADAI and EU-GUARDIAN.

In the NATO AGS project, Wiser developed a mission-critical software system that enables the Main Operating Base to process live imagery and motion data from airborne radar systems and ground stations in near real-time. In ESC2/E2C coordinated by Indra with partners like Leonardo and Rheinmetall, Wiser is contributing to the development of a multi-domain command platform designed to unify operational coordination across European missions.

Meanwhile, in MARTINA, an EDF project coordinated by Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR), Wiser helps validate AI for satellite-based defense applications by delivering backend infrastructure for AI performance assessment and traceability. In ASTERION, the EDF-funded underwater communications initiative led by the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Wiser contributes ultrasonic protocol expertise and system design for secure, multi-modal data transmission.

The company operates under rigorous military compliance frameworks, including certification to NATO AQAP 2110 and AQAP 2210, and holds national, EU, and NATO classified information clearances — a prerequisite for participation in high-level defense programs. These credentials have enabled Wiser to build long-standing partnerships with European defense leaders such as Rheinmetall, Hensoldt, Rohde & Schwarz, Indra, Leonardo, and others, reflecting a broader shift in EU defense toward agile, interoperable, and cross-border software integration.

This trend was underscored earlier this year at the German–Bulgarian Defence Industry Day, where Major General Stefan Schulz of the German Federal Ministry of Defense remarked: “Bulgaria is a proven and reliable partner with a growing strategic role in the Black Sea region.” He also announced the upcoming appointment of a Defense and Security Cooperation Advisor at the German Embassy in Sofia — a role held in only a handful of countries worldwide.

Wiser contributes not only through technology but also to the strategic defense dialogue at the European level. During GITEX EUROPE 2025 in Berlin, Dimitar Dimitrov, General Manager of Wiser’s Automotive, Aerospace & Defense Division, participated in a panel discussion on cyber defense alongside representatives from the German Ministry of Defense, the Geneva State Police, and the leading cybersecurity company Kaspersky.

Looking ahead, Wiser is a strategic partner of the upcoming Regional Defense Tech Summit, taking place in Sofia on October 28, 2025. The event will bring together over 500 stakeholders from EU institutions, government officials, defense contractors, and dual-use tech innovators to discuss:

  • The shifting geopolitical order and the Black Sea’s growing strategic role
  • Europe’s progress toward independent, interoperable defense capabilities
  • The integration of AI and emerging technologies in defense systems
  • New models of collaboration across national, industrial, and technological boundaries

From real-time surveillance to secure communications, Wiser Technology is helping to build the digital backbone of European defense. Its growing role in multinational projects signals a larger shift in how defense capability is developed: through agile, high-performance software systems engineered by specialized firms working in cross-border networks.

“Europe’s security depends on a robust, integrated ecosystem of innovative and agile technology companies capable of delivering next-generation defence solutions at scale. We are witnessing a clear shift towards distributed innovation networks, where companies across Europe collaborate to develop and deploy Software-Defined Defence capabilities.“

Dimitar Dimitrov, General Manager, Automotive, Aerospace & Defense

Wiser Technology Powers Growth with Vertically Aligned Go-To-Market Approach

by Agnes

Sofia, Bulgaria, June 20, 2025 – Wiser Technology (BUL:WISR) today announced the completion of a significant strategic shift with the launch of five Business Units, indicating the final stage of the consolidation and transformation process that began with its expansion through M&A in 2023.

As digital and AI transformation projects grow in scope and complexity, clients are no longer seeking one-off vendors. They want committed and capable partners who understand their business, context, and industry – partners who grasp the stakes, navigate ambiguity, and deliver lasting results. Wiser’s new Business Unit structure reflects that shift.

This change marks Wiser’s transition from a functionally structured organization to a vertically and regionally aligned model. It reflects the company’s commitment to delivering greater value by combining deep technological expertise with industry-specific knowledge and clients’ market insight. Each Business Unit will operate with its own strategic leadership, P&L ownership, and tailored business plan, positioning Wiser to create sustained impact across key sectors and growth regions.

Effective immediately, the company will operate through five Business Units:

  • Automotive, Aerospace & Defense, led by Dimitar Dimitrov, will deliver intelligent edge and cloud systems, along with advanced mission-critical software solutions tailored for highly regulated industries.
  • Financial Services, led by Alexander Papratilov, will support financial institutions with digital transformation, secure & compliant solutions, and AI-driven innovation.
  • Technology, Media & Telecommunications, led by Emil Galabov, will partner with IT companies, media, and telecom providers on platform transformation, service offerings, and AI adoption.
  • Middle East, led by Bojidar Bakalov, is structured as a geographic unit, reflecting the region’s unique dynamics, where large-scale AI transformation programs often span multiple industries.
  • Emerging Verticals, led by Jovan Kocić, focuses on additional industry verticals such as retail and healthcare, where Wiser already has experience and sees strong potential for growth.

Wiser’s new go-to-market model includes а cross-industry Strategic Partnerships Organization, led by Spartak Kabakchiev, and a cross-industry Marketing Organization, led by Slavena Tisheva.

“This new approach allows us to deliver greater value to our clients by aligning more closely with their industry-specific needs and business context,” said Kosta Jordanov, CEO of Wiser Technology. “It enables us to take a proactive, custom approach to each market segment we serve, providing tailored solutions that drive measurable impact. Our top entrepreneurial business talent is now focused on driving growth.”

It’s not just about creating focus, it’s about embedding leadership into the mission. Each unit is empowered to shape its own go-to-market strategy, evolve with its customers, and take ownership of long-term value creation. This structural pivot enables speed, accountability, and trust at the edge of the business, where it matters most.

Internally, the new model moves Wiser from a generic go-to-market approach to a vertically focused one, combining deep industry expertise with horizontal capabilities in strategy, design, engineering, and enablement. Each Business Unit is powered by Wiser’s full-stack delivery model, which brings together strategic advisory, experience design, engineering, and enablement services. This integrated approach allows the company to support clients across the full lifecycle – from initial problem definition to long-term operational success.

With this structure in place, Wiser is positioned to scale with purpose, bringing vertical depth, delivery excellence, and long-term accountability to every client relationship. This marks the start of a new chapter defined by industry and regional focus, and a relentless commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes for customers and generating value for shareholders.

Wiser Technology Partners with Airbus and Sociaw on a European Space Agency Project

by Agnes

Sofia, Bulgaria, May 14th, 2025 – Wiser Technology (BUL:WISR) today announced it is coordinating a contract awarded by the European Space Agency (ESA), working in close partnership with Airbus Defence and Space and Sociaw to enhance the Sentinel Online, SentiVista, and SentiWiki digital platforms.

The websites are part of ESA’s Sentinel Web Information Service, and serve as the official gateway for information on the Copernicus Sentinel satellite missions – a family of Earth observation satellites that provide free and open data. Since the launch of Sentinel-1 in 2014, the Sentinel missions have generated over 90 PB of data, with more than 166 million products made available to users to date. Through Sentinel Online, scientists, policymakers, and the general public can explore up-to-date mission information, technical documentation, and access points for satellite data. 

Securing the SWIS contract represents a significant milestone for Wiser Technology and an important achievement for Bulgaria as a participant in the ESA PECS (Plan for European Cooperating States) programme, which provides limited access to ESA tenders for Bulgarian companies.

The collaboration between Wiser, Airbus, and Sociaw aims to strengthen the online hub that supports Europe’s Copernicus Programme, improving users’ access and engagement with Earth observation data. The project is designed to create a more unified and authoritative online presence for the Sentinel missions, ultimately benefiting environmental management, climate change monitoring, and disaster mitigation efforts worldwide.

“Our collaboration with ESA to enhance the SWIS platform is a natural extension of Wiser Technology’s deep expertise in Space and Earth Observation. Over the years, we have successfully delivered complex data streaming and communication systems, large-scale digital platforms, and intelligent solutions that drive critical operations across the Space, Defense, and Automotive sectors. We are particularly proud to lead this groundbreaking initiative — the first of its kind in Bulgaria. It represents a significant opportunity to strengthen our nation’s partnership with ESA and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of space technology in Europe“

Dimitar Dimitrov, CTO of Wiser Technology

The project has to improve access to Copernicus data by upgrading and maintaining the supporting digital infrastructure. The enhanced platforms will enable a wide range of applications, from tracking deforestation and urban development to monitoring greenhouse gas emissions and responding to natural disasters.

As part of the consortium, Wiser Technology is leading the IT development, cybersecurity, and system maintenance workstreams. The team is responsible for building and operating a technical environment that meets both the current and evolving needs of the SWIS platforms. This includes setting up and continuously managing production, testing, and development systems to ensure the service remains reliable, scalable, and resilient. Security compliance is a critical priority, with Wiser implementing stringent measures to protect sensitive data and meet ESA’s regulatory and operational standards. Furthermore, Wiser will focus on enhancing the user experience by refining the websites’ navigation, improving device and browser compatibility, and introducing a mobile-first design approach. 

By combining strong backend system reliability with a seamless and accessible interface, Wiser aims to create a future-proof digital environment that empowers a diverse range of users, from scientists and engineers to students and policymakers, to easily explore, access, and benefit from Copernicus Sentinel missions and Earth observation data.

Airbus and Sociaw will work alongside Wiser Technology on this ESA-backed initiative. As manufacturer of the Sentinel-2 satellites and a global leader in geospatial solutions, Airbus will bring deep domain expertise in Earth observation. Sociaw, a 360° digital agency, will contribute its experience in digital communications and design to enrich the content strategy and visual appeal of the websites. Together, the partners’ complementary strengths in aerospace, IT development, and digital engagement will create a more powerful and cohesive experience.

About Airbus

 airbus.com

Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. Its innovative products and services connect people and places, protect citizens and vital assets, and are helping to lead the journey towards decarbonizing aerospace.

In commercial aircraft, Airbus designs and manufactures modern and fuel-efficient airplanes and associated services. Airbus is a European leader in space systems, defense and security. In helicopters, Airbus provides civil and military rotorcraft solutions and services worldwide.

Airbus has built on its strong European heritage to become truly international – with around 145,000 employees in roughly 180 locations and relying on more than 18,000 direct suppliers globally. The Company has aircraft and helicopter final assembly lines in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

About Sociaw

sociaw.com

Sociaw is one of Spain’s pioneering digital-first agencies, founded in 2012 at the forefront of the social media and digital transformation wave. With deep roots in tech, science, and innovation, the agency has grown to become a trusted partner for both fast-growing startups and major European institutions.

Sociaw stands out for its creative edge and its holistic approach to strategy, combining content, design, and data to deliver tailored, end-to-end solutions that drive impact across digital and physical channels.

Wiser Technology Wins Two New European Defence Fund Projects

by Agnes

Sofia, Bulgaria, May 8th, 2025 – Wiser Technology (BUL:WISR) partners in two winning European Defence Fund (EDF) consortia selected under the 2024 call. Both projects are 100% financed by the EDF and have a total budget exceeding €33 million. ASTERION is focused on delivering a universal system enabling secure and adaptable underwater communication between and within devices. MARTINA is dedicated to creating a framework to test the accuracy and reliability of AI for satellite image analysis.

ASTERION (Adaptive and Secure Technology-Enabling Reliable and Integrated Opto-acoustic underwater Networking) is a 36‑month action coordinated by the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), bringing together 19 organizations – nearly half of them research institutes. The project aims to design a flexible and secure underwater communication system that seamlessly connects devices and networks, enhancing interoperability in maritime defense operations.

Wiser contributes specialized algorithms and protocol expertise in ultrasonics for underwater communication. The team has previously delivered system‑of‑systems requirements, detailed software, and hardware design for the CUIIS underwater‑technologies project financed under the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP). According to Toshko Punchev, Head of Defense Solutions at Wiser Technology, the company was recommended by another consortium partner – one of the world’s largest shipbuilders – because of its valuable combination of deep military standards know‑how and hands‑on applied expertise demonstrated in the CUIIS project. 

The ASTERION consortium has to develop a versatile underwater communication system that uses acoustic, optical, electromagnetic, and above-water channels (radio and internet) to connect devices both below and above water, supporting various data speeds and formats. “It sounds straightforward on paper, yet the variability of seawater causes refraction and interference that must be detected, filtered, and mitigated,” Punchev explained. “ASTERION will be a demanding project, but our team has the discipline and experience to deliver it.” 

Running in parallel, the 48‑month MARTINA (Multi-source satellite imagery ARTificial INtelligence Analysis challenge) action aims to create a standardized framework to evaluate how effectively AI analyzes diverse satellite images for defense purposes, ensuring accuracy and reliability. The project is coordinated by the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) and includes partners like Fraunhofer, DLR, ICEYE, SatCen, Hisdesat, and the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology. 

Wiser Technology will be responsible for developing the software infrastructure for the consortium, including user identity and Access Management portal for participant interaction and evaluation, as well as a robust front end for intuitive access and a scalable back end to support data handling, workflow management, and result submission. In addition, the company will contribute its expertise in analyzing road infrastructure through dataset preparation, evaluation frameworks, and AI lifecycle development, all building on the company’s prior European Space Agency (ESA) work in AI-driven image analytics for critical infrastructure analysis and road safety.

“The MARTINA project is an excellent example of how Wiser Technology creates synergy from its ESA experience and commercial expertise in building state-of-the-art solutions for the European defense needs.“

Ventsislav Neykov, VP Technology & Innovation at Wiser Technology

These new assignments continue Wiser’s growing track record in European defense innovation, following over a dozen EDIDP, EDF, and NATO projects. Across all of them, Wiser applies established military standards for software development throughout its full lifecycle—processes, milestones, and documentation—and maintains specialized licenses for requirements traceability and design modelling. This disciplined toolchain delivers the unified engineering approach that European ministries of defense increasingly require.

About European Defence Fund

EDF Official Website

The European Defence Fund (EDF) is a flagship initiative by the European Union aimed at enhancing defense collaboration among Member States. With a budget of nearly €8 billion for the 2021–2027 period, the EDF supports joint research and development projects that foster innovation and improve interoperability in defense technologies and equipment. By providing financial assistance throughout the entire lifecycle of defense products—from research and design to prototyping, testing, and certification—the fund seeks to strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy and bolster the competitiveness of its defense industry.

Coding for a Safer World

by Sasho

Client at a glance

32Member States
3.8MActive personnel globally
75 yearsEstablished in 1949


A Legacy of Global Security

For Wiser, participating in NATO AGS was more than a technical challenge—it was an opportunity to contribute to a mission that strengthens global security. As one of the youngest NATO member countries, this project was a milestone, not just in technical achievement but also in the emotional satisfaction of helping build a safer world for future generations.

Responding to Modern Threats with Advanced Surveillance

The NATO AGS program, with a $1.7 billion budget, represents one of NATO’s largest and most comprehensive surveillance initiatives. Built around five Northrop Grumman RQ-4D aircraft and an integrated Ground segment, AGS provides the Alliance with unrestricted access to persistent surveillance data in near-real-time. This seamless system strengthens NATO’s ability to respond to global challenges with precision and agility.

Our Role in a Multinational Effort

Wiser was one of two Bulgarian companies selected to contribute to NATO AGS, collaborating with prime contractor Northrop Grumman and major subcontractors, including Leonardo. By navigating the unique challenges of NATO standards and stringent security protocols, Wiser delivered solutions that met the program’s high demands and contributed to a safer world.

“Wiser proved to be a trustworthy partner, which we recommend for other projects as well. Their team is highly professional, diligent, and great to work with.“

Franco Berretti, Program Manager, NATO Programmes at Leonardo

Challenge

In a world increasingly characterized by security challenges—including crises in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, as well as global natural disasters—NATO faced the need for timely and coherent intelligence. The Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) program, one of NATO’s most ambitious initiatives, aimed to deliver unrestricted, near-real-time access to wide-area terrestrial and maritime surveillance data. This required a robust software infrastructure capable of processing and managing massive amounts of data while adhering to NATO’s stringent standards.

Our Approach

As part of the NATO AGS initiative, Wiser developed mission-critical software to support the Ground segment at the Main Operating Base in Sigonella, Italy. Our work focused on enabling seamless integration between airborne radar systems and ground stations, ensuring the secure and efficient handling of motion and imagery data streams.

Key contributions included:

  • Data Stream Processing: Developed a software module capable of processing multiple simultaneous data streams received by the Front End Processor from external sources such as aircraft and ground radars.
  • Metadata Extraction: Designed functionality to extract metadata and telemetry information from synchronous feeds, converting it into engineering data structures for storage, management, or visualization.
  • Standards Compliance: Delivered solutions adhering to NATO standards (STANAG 7023 & STANAG 4609), ensuring interoperability and alignment with Alliance requirements.
  • Visualization Tools: Created tools to support real-time visualization of up to 12 simultaneous video streams and geoTIFF decoding, enhancing situational awareness.

Impact Delivered

  • Enhanced Situational Awareness: Improved in-theatre intelligence capabilities, enabling effective decision-making in complex environments.
  • Real-Time Data Processing: Delivered uninterrupted handling of mission-critical information, supporting NATO’s response to diverse challenges, including military conflicts, humanitarian crises, and disaster recovery.
  • Scalable Architecture: Provided a robust software infrastructure capable of managing massive data loads under stringent security requirements.

Expertise and Scope

  • Deliverables: Software decoders, video visualization tools, and geoTIFF decoding
  • Technology Stack: Java, C, C++, C#, NATO STANAG 7023 & STANAG 4609

Wiser Technology Secures a Strategic Contract with the European Defense Agency

by Sasho

In brief

  • Bianor Services, a subsidiary of Wiser Technology (“Bianor Holding” AD) (BSE: BNR), has signed a strategic contract with the European Defense Agency (EDA)
  • The latest contract is for the E2C (European Command and Control System) project, financed by the European Defense Fund (EDF)
  • The E2C project spans 24 months, with a total consortium value of €47M. INDRA

Sofia, Bulgaria, September 19th, 2024 – Bianor Services, a subsidiary of Wiser Technology (“Bianor Holding” AD) (BSE: BNR), has signed a strategic contract with the European Defense Agency (EDA) as part of a consortium led by the defense industry leader – INDRA.

Since 2020, Bianor Services has been a key participant in seven projects supported by European Commission programs, aiming to enhance defense and security cooperation in Europe. Currently, the company is actively engaged in five of these projects. Among the main R&D topics is enhancing cybersecurity through AI-based technologies.

“We are honored that a prominent defense industry contractor, such as INDRA, has again invited us to join them.“

Kosta Jordanov, CCO at Wiser.

The latest contract is for the E2C (European Command and Control System) project, financed by the European Defense Fund (EDF). E2C is a follow-up to the ESC2 (European Strategic Command and Control System), initially launched in 2020 with funding from the European Defense Industrial Development Program (EDIDP). The E2C project spans 24 months, with a total consortium value of €47M. INDRA, the Spanish defense industry leader, is the project coordinator. Other consortium participants include industry and defense forerunners such as the Italian Leonardo and the Bulgarian Defense Institute, as well as entities from Austria, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, the Netherlands, and Portugal.

“We are honored that a prominent defense industry contractor, such as INDRA, has again invited us to join them,” stated Spartak Kabakchiev, CCO of Wiser Technology. “We believe that the synergy within the Wiser group will enable us to contribute significantly to such large-scale projects, providing enhanced value to our partners and reinforcing European security,” Kabakchiev added.

The EC2 project is pivotal for supporting operations and missions under the European Union’s Common Security and Defense Policy. It aims to deliver a multifunctional command and control solution, ensuring centralized management of operational capabilities and interoperability across all government institutions. The project scope includes research, design, prototyping, and system testing.

Wiser’s mission is to empower visionary technologies to drive positive change in the surrounding environment and our everyday life. The company aims to be among the leading European software services vendors, delivering technological innovation, specialized knowledge, and engineering excellence. Among the top-tier Wiser’s clients are Airbus, Leonardo, Indra, IBM, IAV, UniCredit, ProCredit, EMAAR, Nokia, DirecTV, Bosch, Legrand. The company partners with technology leaders such as IBM, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, SAP, McKinsey Digital, and E&Y Digital.

About the European Defence Fund

The European Defence Fund (EDF) is an EU program that supports companies across the Member States in developing competitive and collaborative defense projects that deliver innovative and interoperable defense technologies and equipment. EDF provides financial support for the R&D of defense-related products and technologies throughout their entire life cycle – from research to prototype development, testing, attestation, and certification.