Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is expected to fall short of NATO’s 2 percent of GDP defense spending benchmark, according to the country’s prime minister. Updated alliance data suggests Prague will not meet the target this year.
Poland
Poland has obtained European Union approval for a €44 billion loan mechanism aimed at financing defense investments. The facility is part of the EU’s SAFE instrument designed to strengthen member states’ military capabilities.
Export Ban
China has restricted exports of dual-use goods to seven European defense-related entities linked to Taiwan cooperation. The measure targets firms across Germany, Belgium, and the Czech Republic. It introduces new uncertainty for European defense supply chains reliant on Chinese-origin components.
UNIS Ginex dismissed Executive Director Demir Imamović on 16 April after a tenure marked by a worker strike, lost US orders, and a sharp revenue drop, part of a broader push to replace political appointees across BiH's defense industry.
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.
Daily defense news, analysis and industry intelligence from Central and Eastern Europe and Southeast Europe.
Czechoslovak Group has signed a contract valued at almost €250 million to supply long-range artillery ammunition to an undisclosed European customer. The deal highlights sustained demand for artillery systems and munitions across Europe.
Croatian technology company Orqa has introduced a national-level drone league targeting elementary school students. The initiative combines simulation-based training with competition to support early STEM development.
Belgium has conducted its first military exercise integrating unmanned systems, including ground robots supplied by Poland. The trial focused on operational coordination between aerial drones and unmanned ground vehicles.
Serbia is the only country in Europe operating Chinese FK-3 missiles, CH-92 drones, and CM-400AKG ballistic missiles. Here is what Belgrade has bought, why, and what it means for the region.
Romania faces the potential loss of up to €16 billion in EU funding as internal political disputes delay required approvals. The situation could affect investment plans, including those linked to infrastructure and strategic sectors.
A European consortium led by Patria has been awarded €79 million in EU funding to advance next-generation land systems. The program focuses on modular, scalable capabilities for future armored platforms.
The Latvian government has approved a new air defense procurement program supported by European Union funding. The initiative aims to strengthen national and regional air defense capabilities. The decision reflects ongoing efforts to enhance NATO’s eastern flank.
Airbus, Thales Alenia Space, and Polish firm Radmor have announced a partnership to support Poland’s sovereign satellite initiative. The cooperation focuses on developing national space capabilities and strengthening domestic industrial involvement.
More than 20 Romanian companies showcased defense technologies during Romanian Industry Days at NATO headquarters. The event highlighted national industrial capabilities and potential contributions to Allied procurement.
France and Poland are moving forward with cooperation on a military satellite program aimed at strengthening space-based capabilities. The initiative reflects growing European focus on sovereign intelligence and surveillance assets.
UNIS Ginex dismissed Executive Director Demir Imamović on 16 April after a tenure marked by a worker strike, lost US orders, and a sharp revenue drop, part of a broader push to replace political appointees across BiH's defense industry.
Croatia’s state-owned defense export agency Agencija Alan is participating for the first time at DSA 2026 in Malaysia. The event provides access to Asia-Pacific markets and international partners. The move reflects a broader push to expand the global presence of Croatia’s defense industry.
