Latvia
Latvia and Finland have agreed to jointly develop a new protected military vehicle system under a program designed to support future procurement and industrial cooperation. The initiative highlights growing Nordic-Baltic defense integration and a focus on common military capabilities.
Estonia
Estonia plans to begin construction of a new military town in Narva later this year as part of efforts to strengthen its presence along the country's eastern border. The project is expected to support a faster deployment of defense forces while expanding military infrastructure near Russia.
Czechoslovak Group
Czechoslovak Group (CSG) has secured ammunition fuze contracts in two NATO member states with a combined value in the high tens of millions of euros.
CSG is reportedly considering the acquisition of Czech explosives producer Explosia. The potential deal would strengthen the group's position in the European ammunition supply chain.
BAE Systems and Poland’s PGZ have received a joint UK-Poland award recognizing cooperation on 155mm artillery ammunition production. The initiative reflects wider efforts by both countries to expand ammunition manufacturing capacity amid growing demand across NATO.
Central and Eastern Europe is increasingly positioning itself as one of the key growth areas for Europe’s defense industrial base, driven by higher military spending, expanding production requirements, and the long-term security consequences of the war in Ukraine. According to a recent KPMG study, countries across the region are
From hypersonics to AI-driven autonomy, the keywords dominating defense industry searches in 2026 reveal a sector in structural transformation and a procurement landscape under pressure.
The Swiss Armed Forces have continued field testing of FPV drones at the Elm training range as part of a broader effort to integrate tactical unmanned systems into military operations. Drone technology company ORQA participated in the trials by providing FPV equipment and operational support.
FNSS and Czech defense group CSG unveiled the CFL-120 KARPAT medium tank during IDEB 2026 in Slovakia, where AdriaDefense was present. The platform combines the KAPLAN MT chassis with Leonardo’s HITFACT MKII 120 mm turret for the European market.
Daily defense news, analysis and industry intelligence from Central and Eastern Europe and Southeast Europe.
Sarajevo-based optics and defense manufacturer Zrak has nearly doubled its workforce and restored stable production operations as part of its ongoing restructuring process.
Ukraine and Lithuania have signed a letter of intent to launch Brave Lithuania, a bilateral defense innovation program designed to support the development and deployment of emerging military technologies. The agreement was announced during the NATO-Ukraine Defence Innovators Forum held in Vilnius. The initiative will provide grant support for Ukrainian
Romania has signed four defense procurement contracts worth approximately €5.7 billion with Germany’s Rheinmetall. The package includes Lynx infantry fighting vehicles, air defense systems, ammunition, and naval vessels.
Slovak defense manufacturer CSM Industry has signed a framework agreement valued at up to €497 million with the Slovak Ministry of Defence for UDS engineering systems.
Bulgaria has begun hosting the multinational helicopter exercise Thracian Blade 2026 at Krumovo Air Base. Aircraft and personnel from allied and partner nations are deploying to southern Bulgaria for joint air operations and interoperability training.
BAE Systems and Poland’s PGZ have received a joint UK-Poland award recognizing cooperation on 155mm artillery ammunition production. The initiative reflects wider efforts by both countries to expand ammunition manufacturing capacity amid growing demand across NATO.
Central and Eastern Europe is increasingly positioning itself as one of the key growth areas for Europe’s defense industrial base, driven by higher military spending, expanding production requirements, and the long-term security consequences of the war in Ukraine. According to a recent KPMG study, countries across the region are
Lithuania used the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Spring Session in Vilnius to press allies for faster defense industrial expansion, stronger air defense capabilities, and continued support for Ukraine.
Serbia and Slovakia have agreed to strengthen defense cooperation following high-level talks in Bratislava, with both countries highlighting opportunities for closer military and defense-industrial collaboration while reaffirming their strong bilateral partnership.
Technology Park Ljubljana will host a webinar focused on financing, accelerator programs, and market access for dual use and defense startups. The event will address the growing role of innovative technology firms in European and NATO defense innovation ecosystems.
Bulgaria intends to gradually increase defense spending to 5% of gross domestic product in line with evolving NATO targets, Prime Minister Rumen Radev said during talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels.
Croatian Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar held talks with representatives of Rheinmetall on potential investments and industrial cooperation in Croatia. Discussions focused on advanced technologies, defense manufacturing, and integration of Croatian companies into European supply chains.