Sarajevo Security Conference highlights drone challenges and Balkan defense growth
NATO commanders and airspace experts at the Sarajevo Security Conference warned of emerging drone challenges while Bosnia and Herzegovina announced defense industry expansion.
The fourth Sarajevo Security Conference has brought together over 140 experts, NATO commanders, and international diplomats in Sarajevo to address European defense under the theme of security in a divided world.
Key discussions centered on uncrewed technology and airspace safety. EUROCONTROL official Major General Karsten Stoye identified low-altitude uncrewed aerial vehicles as the top emerging challenge for European airspace over the next five years. Concurrently, NATO Rear Admiral Van Zanten emphasized how artificial intelligence and uncrewed surface vessels are redefining naval warfare, noting that "the future belongs to drones."
Alongside the conference, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina officials showcased regional manufacturing growth at the "First Balkan Shield 2026" defense fair. Authorities announced plans for two new manufacturing facilities following a doubling of domestic defense production over the past three years.
Sources: Avaz, FENA, HRT Vijesti, Index, Klix
Sources
- Avaz — U Sarajevo stižu vodeći generali NATO-a, američki kongresmeni i više od 140 stručnjaka za sigurnost
- Index — BiH širi vojnu industriju. Uskoro otvara još dvije tvornice
- HRT Vijesti — BiH jača vojnu industriju, za tri godine udvostručena proizvodnja
- FENA — Stoye: Dronovi su najveći novi izazov za sigurnost evropskog zračnog prostora
- Klix — NATO kontraadmiral za Klix.ba o 'floti iz sjene', prijetnjama i ratu na moru: "Budućnost pripada dronovima"
Earlier coverage
- Oct 28, 2026, 12:30 AM UTCSarajevo defense gatherings highlight drone threats and regional manufacturing growth
- Oct 27, 2026, 06:30 PM UTCSarajevo conference highlights drone security threats and Balkan defense expansion
- Oct 27, 2026, 05:30 PM UTCSarajevo hosts defense summit as Bosnia expands military production
- Oct 27, 2026, 11:30 AM UTCSecurity experts gather in Sarajevo as Bosnia expands domestic defense industry
- Oct 26, 2026, 05:30 PM UTCBosnia expands defense production as Sarajevo hosts regional security forum
- Oct 25, 2026, 06:30 PM UTCSarajevo Security Conference highlights drone risks as Bosnia expands military production
- Oct 25, 2026, 12:00 AM UTCSarajevo security conference highlights drone threats as Bosnia expands defense production
- Oct 23, 2026, 05:00 PM UTCDefense challenges and production growth dominate Sarajevo security talks
- Oct 23, 2026, 03:30 PM UTCDefense experts and NATO officials gather in Sarajevo as Bosnia expands military production
- Oct 23, 2026, 11:00 AM UTCSarajevo Security Conference addresses drone threats as Bosnia expands defense industry