Germany
INLEAP Photonics Raises €20M for Laser Counter-Drone Systems
Germany's INLEAP Photonics has raised €20 million to scale production of its FASTLIGHT laser counter-drone systems and expand across Europe.
Startups
Insights on emerging defense startups, dual-use technologies, venture capital investments, and innovation shaping the future of security.
Startups
VANEA Launches ATOMZA Counter-Drone System for Civilian Site
German startup VANEA Defence has unveiled ATOMZA, a non-kinetic counter-drone system designed for airports and critical infrastructure.
Poland
Polish Defence.Hub Raises PLN 8M for MACS Counter-Drone System
Polish defense technology company Defence.Hub completed a PLN 8.01 million share issue to accelerate development of its MACS counter-drone system.
Latvia
Latvia’s SUBmerge Baltic Scales Underwater Drone Production
Latvia’s SUBmerge Baltic plans to produce 20-30 underwater drones in 2026 and about 100 in 2027 for infrastructure, security and defense missions.
Startups
Tony Blair’s Son Seeks $200M for UK Defense Startup Pyra
London defense startup Pyra is reportedly seeking about $200 million to develop technology integrating multiple defense systems into a unified platform.
Industry
Quantum Systems Expands Estonia Operations to Build European ISR Software Hub
Quantum Systems has expanded its presence in Estonia by opening a Tallinn office and acquiring defense software company SensusQ, strengthening its ISR software capabilities following its $1.2 billion Series D funding round.
Startups
UK selects Tekever AR5 drones to replace Watchkeeper fleet under up to £400 million program
The UK Ministry of Defence has selected the Tekever AR5 unmanned aerial system to replace the British Army's Watchkeeper surveillance drones under a program valued at up to £400 million.
Startups
Polish Defense Tech Startup PERUN Secures NCBR Funding to Advance Military Technologies
Polish defense technology startup PERUN has secured funding under the National Centre for Research and Development's PERUN program to accelerate the development of military technologies. The award highlights Poland's continued investment in domestic innovation for future defense capabilities.
Analysis
7 Open Categories in Defense-Tech Investment for 2026
Drones and counter-drones are fully funded. Missiles, subsea, space, propulsion, and biodefense are the seven defense-tech investment categories still open in 2026, several map directly onto Western Balkans capability.
Startups
Lockheed Martin Ventures Opens London Office, Earmarks $100 Million for European Investments
Lockheed Martin Ventures has established a London office and allocated at least $100 million for investments in UK and European defense technology companies. The move expands the group’s access to emerging technologies and potential suppliers across the transatlantic defense market.
Startups
Neros secures US Army drone contract with $500 million ceiling
The US Army has awarded Neros Technologies a contract worth up to $500 million for low-cost first-person-view attack drones. The agreement supports a broader Pentagon effort to expand domestic production of attritable unmanned systems.
NestAI Launches Sovereign Military AI Program With Finland and Estonia
Finnish defense technology company NestAI is developing sovereign AI models for battlefield autonomy and military command applications. The Finnish and Estonian defense forces will receive early access to pilot the first systems.