India
India and Austria have finalized a package of 15 agreements spanning defense, counterterrorism, technology, and trade. The deals reflect a broad effort to deepen bilateral cooperation across strategic and industrial domains.
Drones
A Japanese startup has introduced the Shiraha drone, a low-cost unmanned system reportedly priced below $450 per unit. The platform reflects a growing shift toward affordable, attritable drone capabilities.
Poland
Polish state-owned defense manufacturer Mesko has recorded its highest-ever sales, supported by strong demand for its Piorun man-portable air defense systems. The increase reflects sustained procurement across European and allied markets.
Several Bulgarian companies are participating in projects backed by more than €300 million in funding from the European Defence Fund. The initiatives focus on cyber defense, space technologies, and artificial intelligence.
A Slovenian defense industry event focused on translating strategic objectives into concrete industrial capabilities. Stakeholders discussed procurement alignment, industrial bottlenecks, and integration into European supply chains.
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.
Daily defense news, analysis and industry intelligence from Central and Eastern Europe and Southeast Europe.
Several Bulgarian companies are participating in projects backed by more than €300 million in funding from the European Defence Fund. The initiatives focus on cyber defense, space technologies, and artificial intelligence.
The European Commission has selected 57 defence projects for €1.07 billion in funding under the European Defence Fund. The program targets capability development and research across key areas such as AI, cyber defence, and unmanned systems.
Czechoslovak Group has signed a new contract to supply artillery ammunition valued in the hundreds of millions of euros to a European customer. The agreement reinforces demand for large-caliber munitions across the continent.
A Slovenian defense industry event focused on translating strategic objectives into concrete industrial capabilities. Stakeholders discussed procurement alignment, industrial bottlenecks, and integration into European supply chains.
Bulgaria is set to participate in eight new European Union defense initiatives under the PESCO framework. The projects span areas including military mobility, cyber defense, and unmanned systems. The move reflects Sofia’s continued alignment with EU capability development efforts.
A defense industry event in Zagreb highlighted Croatia’s efforts to increase participation in the European Defence Fund. Stakeholders emphasized stronger coordination between industry, government, and research institutions.
German drone manufacturer Quantum-Systems has set up joint ventures in Ukraine to strengthen local production and sustainment capabilities. The move reflects growing demand for tactical UAV systems in ongoing operations.
A joint venture between Auterion and Airlogix has received its first contract from Germany, marking an early operational step for the partnership. The agreement focuses on unmanned aerial systems and software integration.
Finland-based Kelluu has raised €15 million in Series A funding to advance its high-altitude surveillance platform. The company aims to strengthen Europe’s sovereign ISR capabilities and support NATO-aligned operations.
Rheinmetall has partnered with Destinus to establish a joint venture focused on developing rocket-based systems. The cooperation targets emerging requirements for high-speed strike capabilities. The initiative reflects growing European interest in advanced propulsion and long-range effects.
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 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.
