CEE

Poland

Poland Warns Russian Provocation Could Come Within Months

Polish Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk says Warsaw is preparing for possible conflict as it assesses the risk of a Russian provocation within months.

Czech Republic

Czech Defense Exports Hit Record €4.67 Billion in 2025

Czech defense exports reached a record €4.67 billion in 2025, more than seven times the 2021 level, as industry faces production capacity limits.

Bulgaria

Russia Sabotage Theory Raised After Bulgaria EMCO Explosions

A former EMCO technical director has raised possible Russian sabotage after explosions at a Bulgarian ammunition plant, while investigators say all causes remain open.

Bulgaria

Bulgarian Navy Recovers Drone Debris Along Black Sea Coast

Bulgarian Navy teams recovered a reconnaissance drone, drone debris and a rocket motor in three incidents along the Black Sea coast.

Slovakia

Slovakia Eyes L-39 Skyfox for F-16 Training, Drone Defense

Slovakia is considering Czech L-39 Skyfox jets to replace aging trainers, support F-16 pilot training and potentially intercept slow-moving drones.

Weekly Briefing

CEE & SEE Defense Weekly Briefing: August 9–15, 2026

This week: an ammunition plant explosion near Rome, Poland launches its first Miecznik frigate, a stray drone exposes Bulgaria's air defense gaps, and Serbia sets a September date for its Israeli drone factory.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria to Receive Four Anti-Drone Systems by August 21

Bulgaria expects four anti-drone systems by August 21 after a Ukrainian drone crossed its airspace and exploded inside Bulgarian territory.

Analysis

Undersea Cable Sabotage: Why the Seabed Is the New Front Line

From the Baltic Sea to the Taiwan Strait, ships keep dragging anchors across the cables carrying 99 percent of the world's data. Here is how the sabotage playbook works, and why almost nobody gets caught.

Lithuania

Ukraine’s DEMZ to Build Ammunition Plant in Lithuania

Ukraine’s DEMZ plans to invest in ammunition production in Lithuania, adding another Ukrainian manufacturer to the Baltic state’s expanding defense industry.

Poland

CSG Wins EUR 150M Poland Chassis Orders for Waran and Heron

CSG will supply Huta Stalowa Wola with several hundred 4x4 and 6x6 chassis for Poland’s Waran and Heron tactical vehicles through 2029.

Latvia

Latvia Eyes A-29 Super Tucano for Counter-Drone Missions

Latvia is assessing light combat aircraft, including the A-29 Super Tucano, to intercept drones and add a national airborne layer to Baltic air defense.

Estonia

Estonia Gets €351.6M SAFE Payment for Defense Procurement

Estonia has received €351.6 million in its first EU SAFE payment, unlocking financing for air defense, ammunition, drones and other priority capabilities.