Insights into defense and ammunition manufacturing across Europe — from regional suppliers to global industry leaders driving investment, innovation, and security.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria has begun hosting the multinational helicopter exercise Thracian Blade 2026 at Krumovo Air Base. Aircraft and personnel from allied and partner nations are deploying to southern Bulgaria for joint air operations and interoperability training.
Cooperation
BAE Systems and Poland’s PGZ have received a joint UK-Poland award recognizing cooperation on 155mm artillery ammunition production. The initiative reflects wider efforts by both countries to expand ammunition manufacturing capacity amid growing demand across NATO.
CEE
Central and Eastern Europe is increasingly positioning itself as one of the key growth areas for Europe’s defense industrial base, driven by higher military spending, expanding production requirements, and the long-term security consequences of the war in Ukraine. According to a recent KPMG study, countries across the region
Lithuania
Lithuania used the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Spring Session in Vilnius to press allies for faster defense industrial expansion, stronger air defense capabilities, and continued support for Ukraine.
Serbia
Serbia and Slovakia have agreed to strengthen defense cooperation following high-level talks in Bratislava, with both countries highlighting opportunities for closer military and defense-industrial collaboration while reaffirming their strong bilateral partnership.
Slovenia
Technology Park Ljubljana will host a webinar focused on financing, accelerator programs, and market access for dual use and defense startups. The event will address the growing role of innovative technology firms in European and NATO defense innovation ecosystems.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria intends to gradually increase defense spending to 5% of gross domestic product in line with evolving NATO targets, Prime Minister Rumen Radev said during talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels.
Croatia
Croatian Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar held talks with representatives of Rheinmetall on potential investments and industrial cooperation in Croatia. Discussions focused on advanced technologies, defense manufacturing, and integration of Croatian companies into European supply chains.
Patria
Finnish defense company Patria has signed agreements with Lithuanian partners to support local production activities tied to the Common Armoured Vehicle System program. The move expands industrial cooperation linked to Lithuania’s planned acquisition of Patria 6x6 armored vehicles.
Analysis
From hypersonics to AI-driven autonomy, the keywords dominating defense industry searches in 2026 reveal a sector in structural transformation and a procurement landscape under pressure.
Czech Republic
The number of countries supporting the Czech ammunition procurement initiative for Ukraine has reportedly fallen from 18 to around nine. Czech officials warned that the reduction could affect the long term stability of artillery shell deliveries to Kyiv.
Serbia
The Serbian Armed Forces have launched an expanded training cycle for pilots and ground crews operating the J-22 Orao attack aircraft. The activities are being conducted at Morava Air Base and include day and night operations in various weather conditions.