Analysis
Global defense revenues hit unprecedented highs, with the US still anchoring the industry—but procurement delays, supply-chain fragility, and workforce constraints are exposing vulnerabilities beneath the surface. Europe is rapidly scaling output, Russia remains unexpectedly resilient.
Germany
Germany and Poland are preparing a 2026 defense-cooperation agreement, signaling a strategic tightening of defense ties on NATO’s eastern flank, even as historical responsibility toward Polish WWII survivors remains intertwined with the diplomatic agenda.
Opinion
Europe urges defense suppliers to boost production, but many are already burdened by legacy debt and lack access to affordable capital. Until financing mechanisms catch up with strategic demand, Europe’s industrial base remains constrained and vulnerable.
Brussels
Europe’s attempt to build a unified defense-industrial framework has faltered, as the UK remains excluded from the EU’s new €150B SAF-E funding instrument — underscoring ongoing fragmentation in European strategic cooperation.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s once rapidly expanding defense industry is entering a period of correction marked by falling exports, governance failures, structural mismanagement, and eroding trust from international buyers.
Austria
Austria finalizes the purchase of 12 Leonardo M-346FA jets, restoring full domestic pilot training by 2028 and strengthening its dual-fleet strategy alongside the Eurofighter.
Romania
Romanian Defense Minister Ionuț Moșteanu resigned over CV irregularities, prompting a leadership shift as Bucharest navigates drone incursions and prepares to leverage major EU defense financing.
Romania
Romania has signed a €626 million deal with France to purchase 231 Mistral air-defense systems and 934 missiles, strengthening its short-range defense layer as drone and missile threats increase near its border with Ukraine.
Poland
Poland has chosen Sweden’s Saab to deliver three submarines as part of its €2.36B Orka program, marking a major modernization step for the Polish Navy and a strategic upgrade to NATO’s presence in the Baltic.
Serbia
Serbia is preparing to bring back mandatory military service in 2026, allocating nearly €90 million over the next three years and modernizing barracks across the country to support an annual intake of 20,000 conscripts.
Poland
FB “Łucznik”–Radom has inaugurated a new production hall worth 31 million PLN, expanding its output to 80,000 firearms per year — a strong industrial move during its 100-year anniversary.
Sweden
Sweden’s military has formally proposed acquiring missiles with a 2,000-km range, marking a decisive move toward deep-strike capabilities. Sweden is now weighing U.S., European and domestic development options, alongside major investments in intelligence, SAT surveillance, and air defense networks.