NATO
Mumbai-based Balu Forge Industries has been formally inducted into the NATO supply chain as a certified supplier of high-precision defence components. The inclusion enables the company to manufacture and deliver artillery shell bodies and other forged parts for alliance member nations.
Romania
Turkish armoured vehicle producer Otokar has agreed to buy a controlling stake in Romania’s Automecanica, a key partner in its Cobra II 4×4 vehicle programme. The acquisition aims to integrate local production and streamline execution of a major Romanian defence contract.
Czech Republic
The first Excalibur Army Accelerator will bring defence technology innovators and industry experts together in February to advance prototype solutions toward field deployment. Speakers from across Europe and the United States are confirmed to lead thematic sessions and workshops.
Serbia
Serbia’s defense minister has met with representatives of the Kruševac-based defense manufacturer 14. oktobar, which is owned by the Czech industrial group CSG. Talks focused on production activities, industrial capacity, and cooperation with the Serbian defense system.
Czech Republic
Kenya and the Czech Republic have signed a bilateral defense cooperation agreement aimed at expanding military collaboration, training, and industrial engagement. The framework reflects Nairobi’s continued effort to diversify defense partnerships beyond traditional suppliers.
Ukraine
EU member states are divided over eligibility criteria tied to a planned €90 billion loan for Ukraine’s defence purchases, exposing tensions between protecting European defence industry interests and Ukraine’s battlefield procurement needs.
Opinion
New US measures are tightening access to the American drone market by restricting imports of foreign-made unmanned aircraft systems and key components while raising domestic-content expectations for federal procurement.
Czech Republic
The Czech government has confirmed it will not raise defence spending beyond the 2 percent of GDP threshold agreed within NATO. Prague argues that the existing commitment already represents a significant fiscal burden and aligns with national defence planning.
Romania
Bucharest has published a detailed procurement roadmap under the EU’s SAFE financing instrument, earmarking around €9.5 billion for military acquisitions through 2030. The programme focuses on layered air defence, ground combat systems, mobility assets and ISR capabilities.
Poland
Poland has rapidly increased its defense budget to around 4–5 % of GDP, positioning itself as a leading military contributor on NATO’s eastern flank and central to Alliance deterrence efforts.
Serbia
Serbia’s Ministry of Internal and Foreign Trade is seeking to reinitiate the issuance of export licenses for weapons and military equipment after an extended pause.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria has approved the acquisition of Naval Strike Missiles to strengthen its maritime deterrence posture in the Black Sea. The decision reflects Sofia’s response to the evolving regional security environment and increased naval activity.