NATO - AdriaDefense – CEE & SEE Defense News, Analysis

Bulgaria

Bulgaria Approves Roadmap to Raise Defense Spending to 5% of GDP by 2035

The Bulgarian government has endorsed a long-term plan that would gradually increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. The initiative includes major investments in military modernization, infrastructure, ammunition production, and defense-industrial development.

Italy

Italy’s Defense Market Set for Sustained Growth Through 2035 as Procurement Spending Accelerates

Italy is expected to expand defense spending steadily over the next decade, with procurement and modernization programs driving growth across the aerospace, naval, land, and digital domains. The outlook reflects Rome’s commitment to NATO capability targets and major industrial programs.

Analysis

Europe's Next Generation Tank Programs Reshape the Future of Armored Warfare

European armies are accelerating investments in new main battle tank programs as governments seek to replace aging fleets and strengthen land warfare capabilities. Several competing platforms are now shaping the future of armored forces across NATO and Europe.

Poland

Polish-Ukrainian Startup Develops Radar System to Detect Low-Flying and Fiber-Optic Guided Drones

Polish-Ukrainian startup Molfar Defence is developing a radar system designed to detect low-flying drones, including fiber-optic guided UAVs that can evade conventional countermeasures. The project targets a growing challenge for military and security forces.

Analysis

AI on the Battlefield: 7 Systems Already Changing How Wars Are Fought

From autonomous drone wingmen to AI-generated kill lists, artificial intelligence has moved from defense lab to active combat. These are the 7 systems reshaping modern warfare right now.

Industry

Honeywell Aerospace Is About to Become Its Own Company. European Defense OEMs Should Take Notice

Honeywell Aerospace's Q3 2026 spin-off creates a pure-play defence giant with over $17 billion in revenue. For CEE and SEE defence industries, the window to engage is open now

Lithuania

Lithuania Calls for Stronger European Defense Industry and Air Defense Measures at NATO Assembly

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.

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.

Patria

Patria Advances Technology Transfer to Lithuania Under CAVS Program

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

Defense Industry's Top Search Terms in 2026: What the Sector Is Looking For

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.

NATO

Dutch TSO Calls for Offshore Wind Security Spending to Qualify for NATO Defense Targets

Dutch transmission system operator TenneT has called for investments protecting offshore wind infrastructure to be counted toward NATO defense spending targets. The proposal reflects growing concern in Europe over the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure in the North Sea.

Bulgaria

Bulgarian Defense Industry Exports Most Output as Army Receives Limited Share

Only a small portion of Bulgaria’s defense production is allocated to the national armed forces, according to security experts speaking at a defense preparedness conference in Sofia.