European Union
EU Cuts Russian Mission in Brussels Amid Espionage Concerns
Russia has withdrawn around 20 diplomatic staff from Brussels after the EU capped its mission at 40 amid concerns over Russian intelligence activity in Europe.
Industry
Insights into defense and ammunition manufacturing across Europe — from regional suppliers to global industry leaders driving investment, innovation, and security.
United States
AeroVironment Wins $464.8M US Army Laser Weapons Contract
AeroVironment will supply LOCUST X3 laser weapons to the US Army under a $464.8 million deal, expanding a defense portfolio already present in Central and Eastern Europe.
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.
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.
Romania
Romania Reports 43 Drone Incursions as Black Sea Threat Grows
Romania has recorded 43 unauthorized drone incursions since the Ukraine war began, including 25 in 2026, as pressure grows along NATO’s Black Sea flank.
Montenegro
Montenegro Military Develops In-House AI System for Command Staff
Montenegro's military has developed Digital Adjutant, an in-house AI system designed to support commanders with analysis, legal frameworks and military documents.
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.
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
Germany Leads Baltic Sea NATO Drone Defense Task Force
Germany and seven Baltic Sea NATO allies plan a joint drone defense task force to accelerate threat detection and information sharing.
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.