Sarajevo security summit spotlights drone threats and Balkan defense growth

The fourth Sarajevo Security Conference convened defense leaders and security experts to evaluate European defense priorities, placing particular focus on uncrewed systems. EUROCONTROL Major General Karsten Stoye designated low-altitude uncrewed aerial vehicles as the primary emerging threat to European airspace over the next five years. Meanwhile, NATO Rear Admiral Van Zanten emphasized the necessity of integrating uncrewed surface vessels and artificial intelligence into naval operations.

Concurrently, officials from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina announced plans to open two new defense manufacturing facilities following a three-year period during which domestic output doubled. The expansion coincided with the "First Balkan Shield 2026" defense fair in Sarajevo, where local firms alongside international companies from Slovenia, China, Turkey, and Egypt showcased military equipment.

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