The BDIA is a non-profit legal entity. It was founded in 2004 by twelve major companies leading in the branch and its aim is to serve as a forum for exchange of ideas between the state bodies and the defence industry as well as for resolving various problems and business development. It acts as a "unified voice" of the Bulgarian defense industry on the issues of the government modernization policy, the defense industry policy, offset policy, procurement policy and procedures for the national defense and security, research and technological development.