Bosnia and Herzegovina
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
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
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.
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.
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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.
A Greek Patriot surface-to-air missile system has begun providing air and missile defense coverage for Bulgaria from positions in northern Greece. The deployment follows a request from Sofia and is part of a bilateral arrangement to strengthen regional air defense.
Serbian Defense Minister Bratislav Gašić visited the Milan Blagojević–Namenska defense company in Lučani to review current operations and discuss the company’s role in the national defense industry. The meeting focused on business performance, production development, and workforce conditions.
Croatia has officially reintroduced mandatory military conscription, ending a suspension that has been in place since 2008. The new system will require young men to undergo short-term military training while offering civilian service alternatives.
DAF Trucks, Tatra Trucks, and VDL Groep are presenting a new 6×6 military logistics truck at BEDEX 2026 in Brussels. The vehicle combines DAF powertrain components, a Tatra off-road chassis design, and a VDL-developed cargo body.
Croatian drone manufacturer Orqa has secured $14.7 million in Series A funding to scale production and expand into the United States defense market. The company also signed a cooperation agreement with Red River Army Depot to support U.S.-based manufacturing.
Croatian venture capital firm AYMO Ventures has invested in Orqa, a developer and manufacturer of First Person View (FPV) drone systems. The investment marks the first time a Croatian VC has backed the Osijek-based company.