IMF
Recent increases in defense spending may provide limited long-term economic benefits while raising inflation and fiscal pressures, according to IMF assessments. The trend is linked to geopolitical tensions and rearmament across advanced economies.
Croatia
Ukraine and Croatia are reportedly cooperating on the development of an underground drone production facility aimed at securing supply chains and sustaining wartime output.
Western Balkans
Europe is rearming at a pace not seen since the Cold War. At the centre of this transformation is the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument — a €150 billion EU defence financing mechanism that entered into force in May 2025. While SAFE loans are reserved exclusively for EU member states,
Europe is rearming at a pace not seen since the Cold War. At the centre of this transformation is the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument — a €150 billion EU defence financing mechanism that entered into force in May 2025. While SAFE loans are reserved exclusively for EU member states,
Bosnia's Prime Minister claims U.S. defense firm Regulus Global attempted to blackmail him — while Zelenskyy's office has already warned Sarajevo about the company's track record.
South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace intends to invest €1.3 billion to expand defense manufacturing capacity in Romania. The move reflects growing industrial cooperation between NATO allies and increased regional demand for military systems.
Slovenia’s state-backed DOVOS has opened a public call for capital partnerships with domestic companies in defense, security, and resilience sectors. The initiative marks the first structured effort by the state to act as an equity investor in these areas.
India is emerging as a partner for Europe’s defense industry, supported by recent EU-level engagement. However, its industrial presence remains limited, particularly at major exhibitions such as Eurosatory 2026.
Ukraine has unveiled a new postage stamp recognizing deminers working across contaminated areas of the country. The initiative highlights the scale of mine contamination and the operational role of clearance efforts in national recovery.
Independent media covering defense, ammunition, and security industries across CEE & SEE.
Czechoslovak Group (CSG) has confirmed new air defense contracts in Asia valued at $2.5 billion. The deals underline the company’s growing role in global air defense supply chains. The expansion reflects increasing regional demand for layered air defense capabilities.
Hungary and the United States have signed new agreements covering satellite development and defense-industrial cooperation. The deals include the country’s first geostationary communications satellite and expanded collaboration in advanced defense technologies.
A Serbian Ministry of Defense delegation conducted an official visit to Slovakia aimed at strengthening bilateral defense cooperation. Discussions focused on military-technical collaboration and industrial ties. The engagement reflects continued regional alignment within Central and Eastern Europe.
Astrolight has completed the first in-orbit test of its Atlas-1 laser communication terminal designed for small satellites. The system aims to deliver high-bandwidth data transmission at lower cost compared to traditional radio-frequency solutions.
Greece has signed a major artillery procurement agreement with Israel valued at approximately $650 million. The deal centers on the acquisition of PULS multiple rocket launcher systems and associated munitions. It includes long-term support and elements of domestic industrial participation.
Ukrainian defense technology companies are attracting growing attention from U.S. investors amid continued wartime innovation. Interest is focused on scalable solutions developed under combat conditions. The trend highlights potential for deeper transatlantic industrial cooperation.
Turkey’s defense and aerospace exports increased by 12% year-on-year to approximately $2 billion in early 2026. The growth reflects sustained demand for Turkish platforms across multiple regions. Officials point to continued expansion in UAVs, naval systems, and land platforms.
Bosnia's Prime Minister claims U.S. defense firm Regulus Global attempted to blackmail him — while Zelenskyy's office has already warned Sarajevo about the company's track record.
The European Defence Agency has appointed Anders Sjoborg as its new Deputy Chief Executive. The move reinforces the agency’s leadership at a time of expanding EU defense cooperation initiatives. Sjoborg brings extensive experience from European security and defense policy roles.
The United States has awarded a contract to Colt to supply small arms to North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The procurement supports ongoing modernization efforts in both countries. Deliveries are expected to strengthen interoperability with NATO standards.
Poland’s WB Group has launched a new subsidiary in Romania as part of its broader European expansion strategy. The move aims to strengthen the company’s position within the EU and NATO defense markets. The subsidiary will support local cooperation and industrial engagement.
OPTIX JSC and FragaX have entered a strategic partnership to advance unmanned aerial system capabilities in Bulgaria. The cooperation will focus on ISR platforms, interceptors, and loitering systems. The initiative aims to strengthen domestic design and manufacturing capacity.
