Espionage in Europe
A new European study of convicted spies reveals a sharp evolution in how foreign intelligence services recruit and operate across the continent. Traditional insiders are now joined by ordinary citizens, digital recruits, and one-time agents.
Lithuania
Lockheed Martin has opened a branch in Lithuania, marking an expansion of its footprint in the Baltic region. The move aligns with growing defense investment and NATO-related activity on the alliance’s eastern flank. The company is expected to support regional programs and partnerships.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Romanian personnel deployed to EUFOR Althea have received the European Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy medal. The award recognizes their contribution to stability operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The ceremony was held at EUFOR headquarters in Sarajevo.
A new European study of convicted spies reveals a sharp evolution in how foreign intelligence services recruit and operate across the continent. Traditional insiders are now joined by ordinary citizens, digital recruits, and one-time agents.
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.
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Milrem Robotics and Poland’s PGZ have signed a memorandum of understanding to deepen industrial cooperation in unmanned ground systems. The agreement targets joint development, production, and market opportunities. It reflects growing defense-industrial alignment between Estonia and Poland.
Czech-based Dronetag has been chosen for a European Union defense accelerator program focused on counter-drone technologies. The initiative aims to support scalable solutions addressing unmanned aerial threats.
Serbia’s Milan Blagojevic Namenska is increasing production capacity for propellants and explosives amid sustained ammunition demand. Recent investments focus on modernization, workforce growth, and higher output. State leadership signaled continued support for scaling the sector.
Rheinmetall is reportedly planning to acquire Iveco’s military truck production business as part of efforts to expand its land systems portfolio. At the same time, Italy’s Leonardo is said to be negotiating with India’s Tata Group regarding potential cooperation.
An Israeli venture capital fund is focusing on early-stage defense technology companies developing drones, AI systems, and advanced sensing solutions. The move reflects growing investor interest in military innovation as recent conflicts reshape procurement priorities.
Latvia plans to procure Naval Strike Missile systems to enhance its coastal defense and maritime strike capabilities. The acquisition is intended to strengthen deterrence and improve interoperability with NATO forces in the Baltic region.
Romania plans to broaden defense cooperation with Moldova as part of their strategic partnership and Moldova’s gradual alignment with European structures. The initiative focuses on institutional capacity building, training, and resilience against hybrid threats.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
