USA
U.S. Central Command confirmed the first combat use of its Low-Cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones during Saturday’s air campaign against Iranian military infrastructure. The expendable loitering munitions were deployed alongside missiles and airstrikes as part of Operation Epic Fury.
IWA OutdoorClassics
Albrecht Kind GmbH and STEYR ARMS GmbH have concluded an exclusive distribution agreement for the German market. The announcement was made during IWA OutdoorClassics in Nuremberg. The partnership strengthens long-standing industrial ties within the European small arms and sporting sector.
Belgium
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has confirmed his participation in the BEDEX Gala Dinner, where he will deliver a keynote address. The appearance adds high-level political weight to the inaugural edition of the Brussels-based defense event. BEDEX is scheduled to take place on March 12–14, 2026.
U.S. Central Command confirmed the first combat use of its Low-Cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones during Saturday’s air campaign against Iranian military infrastructure. The expendable loitering munitions were deployed alongside missiles and airstrikes as part of Operation Epic Fury.
SWARM Biotactics has moved its bio-robotic insect swarm technology into early operational engagement with NATO users. The step follows a €13 million funding round aimed at transitioning the system from laboratory development to field reconnaissance pilots.
RTC and Valhalla Turrets demonstrated a 6x6 large-class unmanned ground vehicle in cooperation with Slovenia’s Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces. The platform combines heavy payload capacity, integrated autonomy, and a remotely operated 12.7 mm weapon station.
The 2026 IWA OutdoorClassics trade fair in Nuremberg introduces crisis preparedness as a central theme, reflecting industry interest in resilience and civilian security. Sessions and expert panels will examine supply chain security and survival-oriented products for specialised retail.
German drone manufacturer Quantum Systems has unveiled its first unmanned ground vehicle at Enforce Tac 2026. The system marks the company’s expansion from aerial ISR platforms into land-based robotics. The move signals a broader strategy to position itself as a multi-domain provider.
BRUSSELS — German defence powerhouse Rheinmetall AG is moving into naval shipbuilding on a global scale, marking a significant strategic expansion that now includes industrial facilities in Croatia, following regulatory approval this month. In a landmark decision, the European Commission cleared Rheinmetall’s acquisition of Naval Vessels Lürssen (NVL) and the
Receive curated defense news, expert commentary, and strategic insights from SEE and CEE—covering key markets, industries, and security developments shaping the region.
Twenty-six Croatian defence-industry firms are presenting products and technologies at the Enforce Tac security and defence trade fair in Nuremberg, aimed at expanding export markets and industrial partnerships.
Serbia’s Ministry of Defence will begin issuing military registration notices, known as blue envelopes, from September as part of preparations to restore compulsory service. The step marks the start of formal conscription processing for eligible recruits.
SWARM Biotactics has moved its bio-robotic insect swarm technology into early operational engagement with NATO users. The step follows a €13 million funding round aimed at transitioning the system from laboratory development to field reconnaissance pilots.
RTC and Valhalla Turrets demonstrated a 6x6 large-class unmanned ground vehicle in cooperation with Slovenia’s Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces. The platform combines heavy payload capacity, integrated autonomy, and a remotely operated 12.7 mm weapon station.
Estonia-based missile defense startup Frankenburg Technologies has raised €30 million in Series A funding to expand missile production capacity in Europe. The company plans to scale manufacturing of cost-efficient interceptor systems aimed at countering mass aerial threats.
Serbia’s president has begun an official two-day visit to Astana aimed at strengthening economic and industrial cooperation with Kazakhstan. Discussions between the two governments have targeted trade expansion, defense industry collaboration, and joint technology initiatives.
A new industrial partnership aims to supply advanced weapon-station technology to domestic and international markets. The UAE’s EDGE Group and Spain’s EM&E Group have signed a strategic agreement to form a UAE-based defence joint venture backed by a commercial pipeline valued at about USD 1.5
The 2026 IWA OutdoorClassics trade fair in Nuremberg introduces crisis preparedness as a central theme, reflecting industry interest in resilience and civilian security. Sessions and expert panels will examine supply chain security and survival-oriented products for specialised retail.
Lithuania has delivered a shipment of 30 RBS-70 short-range air defense missiles to Ukraine to strengthen protection of critical infrastructure amid ongoing Russian aerial attacks. The transfer was announced during a visit by the Lithuanian defence minister to Kyiv.
Bulgaria’s government has dispatched a 13th package of military assistance to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022, the Defence Ministry reported. Specific contents and financial terms of the packages remain classified under national security provisions.
Germany’s Bundeswehr is transitioning to a new standard service pistol, designated P13, procured through German supplier POL-TEC and based on the Czech-built CZ P-10 C OR platform. The move replaces the long-serving P8 and aligns small arms with current military requirements.
German defence-industrial group Rheinmetall has expanded its soldier protection portfolio with a lighter combat helmet and a configurable body armour system showcased at Enforce Tac 2026 in Nuremberg. The developments aim to enhance ballistic protection, modularity and comfort for military forces.
