Opinion
As European governments accelerate defence production and integration amid shifting security dynamics, national arms-export licensing systems are coming under scrutiny for allowing military equipment to reach risky markets despite strict EU criteria.
Finland
Retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, former commander of U.S. Army Europe, has been appointed principal strategic advisor to the advisory board of the Finserve Global Security fund. Hodges will support long-term capability assessment and geopolitical analysis for investment strategies.
Defence Startups
Venture capital investment in European defence, security and resilience startups surged to an unprecedented $8.7 billion in 2025, driven by large late-stage rounds and increasing investor interest in deep tech for security applications.
Latvia
Latvia is planning to establish a domestic anti-tank mine production facility within the next two years as part of its broader effort to strengthen national defense manufacturing capacity.
SPAIN
Indra’s planned multipurpose drone factory in León is expected to play a growing role in the production and integration of loitering munitions. The project comes as European armed forces prioritize scalable drone-based strike capabilities.
Greece
Paramount Greece and Ukrainian defence firm MAC HUB have formalised a strategic industrial cooperation to jointly develop and produce next-generation land platforms, culminating in the unveiling of a new mine-protected armoured vehicle made in Ukraine.
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.
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.
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.
Romania
Romania’s Ministry of Defence has submitted a request for a record defence budget for 2026, proposing direct funding that would amount to roughly 2.8 percent of GDP.
GFP 2025
The Global Firepower (GFP) 2025 Military Strength Ranking places Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and Southeastern Europe (SEE) in a sharply divided position: a handful of frontline states are rising in global relevance, while much of the Western Balkans remains near the bottom of the list.