Germany
INLEAP Photonics Raises €20M for Laser Counter-Drone Systems
Germany's INLEAP Photonics has raised €20 million to scale production of its FASTLIGHT laser counter-drone systems and expand across Europe.
Defense Industry
Poland
Poland Builds CEE Defense Hub as Military Spending Surges
Poland is directing more defense spending toward domestic and Central European suppliers as Warsaw expands production of ammunition, missiles and military systems.
Ukraine
Ukraine Maps 70 Firms Behind Russia’s 3M22 Zircon Missile
Ukraine identified 70 firms and 84 people linked to Russia’s 3M22 Zircon missile, exposing its production chain, components and foreign equipment.
Serbia
China Backs €100.5M Serbian Battery Plant for Drones
China’s Jiangsu Reliance Energy Tech will invest €100.5 million in a Serbian battery plant supplying drones, robots and unmanned vehicles.
Events
Latvia Dual-Use Export Forum Targets NATO Supply Chains
Latvia will bring companies from 19 countries to Rēzekne on September 6-7 for defense technology demonstrations, B2B meetings and dual-use export talks.
Analysis
Top 7 Israeli Defense-Tech Companies Expanding Into Europe
Beyond Elbit, IAI, and Rafael: seven independent, mid-size Israeli defense-tech companies building real traction in Europe, from counter-drone AI to maritime intelligence.
Analysis
Which Soviet Weapons Are Still in NATO Service in 2026?
Soviet-designed aircraft, air defenses, tanks and IFVs remain in several NATO forces in 2026, even as Western replacements enter service.
Finland
Finland Extends Israel Defense Cooperation Through 2034
Finland and Israel have extended defense cooperation through 2034 as Helsinki builds air defense capabilities around Israeli systems and technology.
Germany
Rheinmetall Plans €270M Kassel Tank, Drone and Logistics Hub
Rheinmetall plans to invest about €270 million in Kassel, expanding armored vehicle production and adding logistics and drone testing facilities.
Weekly Briefing
CEE & SEE Defense Weekly Briefing: August 21–28, 2026
This week: Romania scrambles F-16s over a drone alert, Poland signs a $2.2B Piorun deal and receives its first new K2 tanks, Ukraine opens wartime arms exports, and Bulgaria triples its minehunter fleet. Plus three deep-dive analyses.
Lithuania
Lithuania Invests €33.6M in Second Small-Caliber Ammo Line
Lithuania’s Giraitė Armament Plant is investing €33.6 million in a second small-caliber ammunition line, with production planned for Q3 2027.
Latvia
Wolfram Europa Plans €200M Explosives Plant in Latvia
Wolfram Europa plans a €200 million explosives and warhead complex near Jēkabpils, with RDX, HMX, mines and warhead production from 2027.