Romania
Romania Seeks Record Defence Budget for 2026
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.
NATO
GFP 2025
GFP 2025 Ranking: Where CEE and SEE Countries Stand in Global Military Power
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.
Belgium
Belgian Defence Ministry awards €80 million contract to KNDS for latest-generation Leguan bridge layers
Belgium has contracted KNDS Deutschland to deliver a new generation of wheeled Leguan bridge-laying systems to support its combat engineering units. The program includes multiple bridge carriers, spare bridges, and associated support equipment.
SPAIN
EDGE Group and Indra to Establish Loitering Munitions Manufacturing Company in Spain
EDGE Group and Indra have agreed to create a new jointly owned company in Spain focused on the development and production of loitering munitions. The initiative is intended to support European demand while strengthening Spain’s role in advanced guided weapons manufacturing.
Germany
DTCP Launches €500M Project Liberty Fund to Scale European Defence Tech
Deutsche Telekom Capital Partners has initiated a €500 million investment fund to accelerate European defence, security, and dual-use technology companies. Project Liberty targets growth-stage firms with NATO-aligned relevance, addressing capability and resilience gaps across Europe.
Czech Republic
Czech Defense Ministry Approves €213 Million Modernization of Čáslav Air Base
The Czech Ministry of Defense has approved a €213 million investment to modernize Čáslav Air Base, the country’s primary fighter operating location. The project targets infrastructure upgrades essential for national air defense and NATO missions.
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.
Czech Republic
Czech Defence Group CSG Advances Amsterdam IPO Plans
Czechoslovak Group (CSG), a major Czech defence manufacturer, has revealed intentions to proceed with a public listing on Euronext Amsterdam, targeting one of Europe’s largest defence sector IPOs in 2026. The offering could potentially raise over €3 billion.
Slovenia
Slovenia Takes Over Presidency of Central European Defence Cooperation Initiative
Slovenia assumed the one-year rotating presidency of the Central European Defence Cooperation (CEDC) initiative on 1 January, a platform aimed at reinforcing defence cooperation among Central European states within EU and NATO frameworks.
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.
Poland
SAFE Deadlines Redefine Expectations for Polish and European Defense Industry
The EU’s EUR 150 billion SAFE financing framework offers a major boost to European rearmament but ties funding to strict delivery deadlines. With equipment required by 2030, defense manufacturers face unprecedented pressure to expand capacity and stabilize supply chains.
Germany
IAI Signs $3.1 Billion Follow-On Contract for Germany’s Arrow 3 Missile Defense Program
Israel Aerospace Industries has secured a follow-on contract valued at approximately $3.1 billion to expand Germany’s procurement of the Arrow 3 missile defense system. The agreement forms part of a broader bilateral program whose total value is expected to exceed $6.5 billion.