Startups
Kitron has received a EUR 42 million order in the defense and aerospace sector. The contract covers system production linked to layered defense architectures. Deliveries are scheduled for 2026 from European facilities.
Estonia
Estonia has halted a planned €500 million armored vehicle acquisition, shifting resources toward drone and counter-drone capabilities. The move reflects evolving battlefield lessons and changing defense priorities.
Czech Republic
Excalibur Army has completed its first in-house TREVA engineering vehicle at its Přelouč site. The milestone marks a shift from repair-focused operations to full product manufacturing and reflects efforts to expand capabilities within its Czech production network.
Defense exhibition infrastructure in the Western Balkans is expanding alongside rising budgets and industrial output. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s planned 2026 expo marks a significant addition to a landscape long dominated by Serbia. The shift indicates a more distributed regional defense ecosystem.
Europe’s 155mm artillery ammunition market is projected to expand steadily through 2032, supported by increased procurement and stockpile rebuilding. Demand reflects NATO readiness requirements and sustained operational needs. Industrial scaling remains a key constraint.
Viktor Orbán has conceded defeat after 16 years in power. For Hungary's defense industry, the Rheinmetall partnerships and Zrínyi 2026 procurements will survive, and may accelerate under a more Brussels-compatible government. For Ukraine, the blocked €90 billion EU loan should now move.
Italy’s government has selected an executive from missile manufacturer MBDA to lead Leonardo. The move signals a shift in leadership at the state-controlled defense group amid broader industrial and strategic considerations.
A new analysis by leading European defence thinkers argues that NATO is becoming more European whether Europe prepares or not — and that the real deficit is not just capabilities, but political and military leadership. For Central and Eastern Europe, the implications are immediate.
Estonia will involve around 160 organizations in one of its largest national crisis exercises to date. The drill will test coordination across civilian, military, and critical infrastructure sectors. It underscores the country’s focus on whole-of-society resilience.
Daily defense news, analysis and industry intelligence from Central and Eastern Europe and Southeast Europe.
Defense exhibition infrastructure in the Western Balkans is expanding alongside rising budgets and industrial output. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s planned 2026 expo marks a significant addition to a landscape long dominated by Serbia. The shift indicates a more distributed regional defense ecosystem.
Europe’s 155mm artillery ammunition market is projected to expand steadily through 2032, supported by increased procurement and stockpile rebuilding. Demand reflects NATO readiness requirements and sustained operational needs. Industrial scaling remains a key constraint.
Viktor Orbán has conceded defeat after 16 years in power. For Hungary's defense industry, the Rheinmetall partnerships and Zrínyi 2026 procurements will survive, and may accelerate under a more Brussels-compatible government. For Ukraine, the blocked €90 billion EU loan should now move.
Italy’s government has selected an executive from missile manufacturer MBDA to lead Leonardo. The move signals a shift in leadership at the state-controlled defense group amid broader industrial and strategic considerations.
Lithuania’s defense minister indicates NATO is undergoing structural changes that will require increased European responsibility. The shift is expected to influence defense spending and alliance strategy ahead of upcoming meetings.
Slovenia will participate in the 41st Space Symposium in Colorado Springs from April 13 to 16. A national delegation will present industrial capabilities and technological developments. The event is expected to support international cooperation and visibility for Slovenian space companies.
A new analysis by leading European defence thinkers argues that NATO is becoming more European whether Europe prepares or not — and that the real deficit is not just capabilities, but political and military leadership. For Central and Eastern Europe, the implications are immediate.
Bosnia and Herzegovina will host its first international defense industry exhibition — First Balkan Shield Industrial Expo and Summit — at Sarajevo's Zetra Olympic Hall from 1 to 4 September 2026.
Pretis has installed a new management team as it navigates operational and financial pressures. Fuad Sehic has been appointed CEO after serving in a senior financial and commercial role. The transition comes at a critical moment for the state-owned Bosnian defense manufacturer.
The Serbian Armed Forces have carried out training activities using modernized M-84 main battle tanks. The exercise focused on improving operational readiness and testing upgraded subsystems. The program reflects ongoing efforts to extend the service life of legacy armored platforms.
South Korea’s export credit agency K-SURE has approved a €900 million loan to Romania to support defense procurement programs. The financing is expected to facilitate acquisitions linked to South Korean defense systems.
Estonia will involve around 160 organizations in one of its largest national crisis exercises to date. The drill will test coordination across civilian, military, and critical infrastructure sectors. It underscores the country’s focus on whole-of-society resilience.
