Romania
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.
Defence VCs
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.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
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
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
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.
Events
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.
BEDEX 2026
BEDEX 2026 concluded in Brussels, bringing together over 200 exhibitors and international delegations to showcase new defense technologies and strengthen European defense cooperation.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina ammunition manufacturer Igman closed 2025 with a loss of approximately €7.8 million. The company reduced losses during the second half of the year after a significantly weaker first half. Management indicated that financial performance improved toward the end of the year.
Ukraine
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.
Analysis
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.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
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
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.