Serbia
Serbia’s Milan Blagojevic Namenska is increasing production capacity for propellants and explosives amid sustained ammunition demand. Recent investments focus on modernization, workforce growth, and higher output. State leadership signaled continued support for scaling the sector.
Italy
Rheinmetall is reportedly planning to acquire Iveco’s military truck production business as part of efforts to expand its land systems portfolio. At the same time, Italy’s Leonardo is said to be negotiating with India’s Tata Group regarding potential cooperation.
Startups
An Israeli venture capital fund is focusing on early-stage defense technology companies developing drones, AI systems, and advanced sensing solutions. The move reflects growing investor interest in military innovation as recent conflicts reshape procurement priorities.
As defense technology startups attract growing interest from investors, corporate venture capital arms of major defense contractors are playing a key role in funding innovation in robotics, AI, cyber and autonomous systems.
Ukraine has launched a platform that allows international partners to train artificial intelligence models using real battlefield data from the war with Russia. The initiative provides controlled access to millions of annotated combat images and videos collected from drone operations.
From Paris to Brussels and Celje to Abu Dhabi, a surge in military spending and geopolitical tension is reshaping the world of defense trade shows.
Global arms imports increased by roughly 10 percent over the past five years, according to new data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. The United States accounted for nearly half of all weapons exports during the period.
German defense group Rheinmetall has acquired a stake in Croatian robotics and unmanned systems manufacturer DOK-ING. The move expands Rheinmetall’s presence in unmanned ground systems and strengthens cooperation with a specialized robotics developer in South-Eastern Europe.
ZVS Holding, part of CSG, and France’s Eurenco will establish a joint venture to produce modular artillery propellant charges in Slovakia. The €300 million project aims to expand European capacity for key artillery ammunition components.
Receive curated defense news, expert commentary, and strategic insights from SEE and CEE—covering key markets, industries, and security developments shaping the region.
Latvia plans to procure Naval Strike Missile systems to enhance its coastal defense and maritime strike capabilities. The acquisition is intended to strengthen deterrence and improve interoperability with NATO forces in the Baltic region.
Romania plans to broaden defense cooperation with Moldova as part of their strategic partnership and Moldova’s gradual alignment with European structures. The initiative focuses on institutional capacity building, training, and resilience against hybrid threats.
As defense technology startups attract growing interest from investors, corporate venture capital arms of major defense contractors are playing a key role in funding innovation in robotics, AI, cyber and autonomous systems.
Artillery systems manufacturer BNT – Tvornica Masina i Hidraulike Novi Travnik posted its strongest financial result since the 1990s. The figures underline the renewed activity within Bosnia and Herzegovina’s defense manufacturing sector.
Romania and Ukraine have signed a statement of intent to jointly produce Ukrainian defense systems, including drones, on Romanian territory. The initiative aims to strengthen both countries’ defense industries and support security along NATO’s eastern flank.
Serbia has confirmed that its Chinese-made FK-3 surface-to-air missile system is operational, marking the first deployment of the system in Europe. The acquisition strengthens Serbia’s long-range air defense capabilities and reflects Belgrade’s continued diversification of defense suppliers.
DroneVation & Defence 2026 will take place in Vienna on May 21, bringing together military officials, industry representatives, and researchers to discuss developments in unmanned systems and counter-drone technologies.
BEDEX 2026 concluded in Brussels, bringing together over 200 exhibitors and international delegations to showcase new defense technologies and strengthen European defense cooperation.
Bosnia and Herzegovina ammunition manufacturer Igman closed 2025 with a loss of approximately €7.8 million. The company reduced losses during the second half of the year after a significantly weaker first half. Management indicated that financial performance improved toward the end of the year.
Ukraine has launched a platform that allows international partners to train artificial intelligence models using real battlefield data from the war with Russia. The initiative provides controlled access to millions of annotated combat images and videos collected from drone operations.
From Paris to Brussels and Celje to Abu Dhabi, a surge in military spending and geopolitical tension is reshaping the world of defense trade shows.
Ammunition manufacturer Binas in Bugojno has recorded a sharp increase in revenue and profit, reflecting the broader expansion of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s defense industry. The company’s income rose significantly in 2025 as international demand for munitions continues to grow.
