Mark Rutte - AdriaDefense

Bulgaria

Bulgaria Requests NATO Air Defense and Counter-Drone Support

Following multiple drone attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea, Sofia has requested additional NATO aircraft, air-defense missiles and counter-drone capabilities as security concerns intensify along the alliance's southeastern flank.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria Signals Long Term Plan to Raise Defense Spending to 5% of GDP

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.

Belgium

BEDEX 2026: Key Highlights from Europe’s New Defense Exhibition in Brussels

BEDEX 2026 concluded in Brussels, bringing together over 200 exhibitors and international delegations to showcase new defense technologies and strengthen European defense cooperation.

NATO

Rutte Urges Europe to Expand Defense Production While Buying U.S. Weapons

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has called on European states to rapidly increase domestic defense production while continuing large-scale purchases of U.S. weapons systems. He argued that Europe’s industrial capacity cannot yet meet operational demand.

Croatia

NATO General Secretary Visits Zagreb, Croatian Defence Industry Showcases Indigenous Combat Craft

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is visiting Croatia on January 12 as part of an alliance tour, during which Croatian defence industry capabilities will be reviewed. A domestically built combat vessel by Shadows Nautics will be presented to Rutte and allied representatives.