Lithuania
Lithuania’s defense minister indicates NATO is undergoing structural changes that will require increased European responsibility. The shift is expected to influence defense spending and alliance strategy ahead of upcoming meetings.
Events
Slovenia will participate in the 41st Space Symposium in Colorado Springs from April 13 to 16. A national delegation will present industrial capabilities and technological developments. The event is expected to support international cooperation and visibility for Slovenian space companies.
Analysis
A new analysis by leading European defence thinkers argues that NATO is becoming more European whether Europe prepares or not — and that the real deficit is not just capabilities, but political and military leadership. For Central and Eastern Europe, the implications are immediate.
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.
A new analysis by leading European defence thinkers argues that NATO is becoming more European whether Europe prepares or not — and that the real deficit is not just capabilities, but political and military leadership. For Central and Eastern Europe, the implications are immediate.
Estonia will involve around 160 organizations in one of its largest national crisis exercises to date. The drill will test coordination across civilian, military, and critical infrastructure sectors. It underscores the country’s focus on whole-of-society resilience.
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.
Daily defense news, analysis and industry intelligence from Central and Eastern Europe and Southeast Europe.
Bosnia and Herzegovina will host its first international defense industry exhibition — First Balkan Shield Industrial Expo and Summit — at Sarajevo's Zetra Olympic Hall from 1 to 4 September 2026.
Pretis has installed a new management team as it navigates operational and financial pressures. Fuad Sehic has been appointed CEO after serving in a senior financial and commercial role. The transition comes at a critical moment for the state-owned Bosnian defense manufacturer.
The Serbian Armed Forces have carried out training activities using modernized M-84 main battle tanks. The exercise focused on improving operational readiness and testing upgraded subsystems. The program reflects ongoing efforts to extend the service life of legacy armored platforms.
South Korea’s export credit agency K-SURE has approved a €900 million loan to Romania to support defense procurement programs. The financing is expected to facilitate acquisitions linked to South Korean defense systems.
Estonia will involve around 160 organizations in one of its largest national crisis exercises to date. The drill will test coordination across civilian, military, and critical infrastructure sectors. It underscores the country’s focus on whole-of-society resilience.
Poland is accelerating domestic ammunition output through new industrial partnerships aimed at meeting national and NATO demand. A privately owned Polish group is working with U.S. and Singaporean defense companies to establish large-scale production lines.
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.
Ukraine and Croatia are reportedly cooperating on the development of an underground drone production facility aimed at securing supply chains and sustaining wartime output.
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,
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.