Analysis
Russian Plots Put European Defense Executives at Risk
The suspected Russian plot against Donaustahl CEO Stefan Thumann exposes a wider security risk for European defense executives supporting Ukraine.
Jobs
How Defense Is Pulling Workers From Tech and Auto in 2026
From laid-off German autoworkers to Silicon Valley engineers chasing Anduril paychecks, the defense industry is pulling talent from every direction in 2026. AD looks at what's driving the shift and what it means for CEE/SEE.
Events
MSPO 2026: Poland Prepares for Major Defense Industry Show
MSPO 2026 returns to Kielce on September 8-11 as Poland expands defense procurement and the exhibition opens a new 15,500-square-meter hall.
Czech Republic
Czech Narwhal Cruise Missile Adds 200 kg Warhead Variant
Czech LPP Holding is expanding its Narwhal cruise missile family with 100 kg and 200 kg warhead variants designed for strikes at around 640 km.
Slovakia
Slovakia Restarts BMP-1 Hull Production After 36-Year Gap
Slovakia has built two new BMP-1 hull prototypes as STV Machinery prepares serial production for an undisclosed customer after a 36-year production gap.
Czech Republic
Ray Service Launches Largest Investment Program in Czechia
Ray Service is expanding production, R&D and testing capacity as the Czech supplier prepares for F-35, Leopard 2A8 and other defense programs.
Serbia
Serbia Says New Elbit Drone Factory Will Target Export Markets
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić discusses Serbia's joint drone production project with Israel's Elbit Systems
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
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.
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.
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.
Analysis
Germany Tests New G2G Defense Export Model with Montenegro
Germany is testing its first government-to-government defense sales model with Montenegro, using four H145M helicopters as a potential blueprint for wider European procurement.