Sarajevo defense talks highlight drone threats and military industry expansion

The fourth Sarajevo Security Conference brought together over 140 defense experts, NATO officials, and diplomats to evaluate European security challenges. Addressing airspace resilience, EUROCONTROL Head of Civil-Military Cooperation Major General Karsten Stoye identified low-altitude uncrewed aerial vehicles as the primary emerging threat over the next five years. Meanwhile, NATO Rear Admiral Van Zanten highlighted the growing necessity of incorporating artificial intelligence and uncrewed surface vessels into naval operations to counter maritime risks.

Concurrently, local authorities showcased defense developments at the First Balkan Shield 2026 exhibition in Sarajevo. Officials from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina announced plans to open two new military production plants, noting that domestic defense manufacturing has doubled over the past three years. The expansion aims to enhance national security while increasing competitiveness in global defense markets.

Sources: Avaz, FENA, HRT Vijesti, Index, Klix