Analysis
War, Money and a New Kind of Arms Fair: The Global Boom in Defense Exhibitions
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.
Latest
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Binas Expands Production as Bosnia’s Defense Industry Recovery Accelerates
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.
Bulgaria
Greek Patriot Air Defense System Extends Coverage Over Bulgaria
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.
Serbia
Serbian MB–Namenska Focuses on Production Modernization and Industry Capacity
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
Croatia Reintroduces Mandatory Military Conscription After 17-Year Suspension
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.
BEDEX 2026
DAF, Tatra, and VDL Unveil New 6×6 Military Logistics Truck at BEDEX 2026
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.
Croatia
Croatia’s Orqa Raises $14.7M Series A, Expands Toward U.S. Defense Market
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.
Croatia
AYMO Ventures Invests in Croatian FPV Drone Developer Orqa
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.
EU
EU to Sign Defense Partnerships with Australia, Iceland, and Ghana
The European Union plans to formalize new security and defense partnerships with Australia, Iceland, and Ghana this week. The agreements are intended to expand the EU’s network of international security cooperation amid rising geopolitical risks.
SIPRI
SIPRI: Global Arms Imports Rise 10% as U.S. Expands Dominance in Exports
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.
Industry
KNDS Positions for Expanded Defense Contracts as Europe Increases Military Spending
KNDS is positioning itself for a larger share of European defense procurement as governments accelerate military modernization programs. The Franco-German land systems manufacturer expects increased demand across armored vehicles, artillery, and ammunition.
EU
Europe Is Rebuilding Its Defense Industry After Decades of Underinvestment
European governments are rebuilding the continent’s defense-industrial base after decades of underinvestment and shrinking production capacity. Rising defense budgets are beginning to translate into expanded manufacturing and long-term procurement plans.