Western Balkans security forum highlights drone threats and military expansion
Defense leaders at the Sarajevo Security Conference emphasized drone risks as Bosnia and Herzegovina announced plans to expand its domestic military manufacturing.
Security leaders, diplomats, and military experts gathered in Sarajevo for the fourth Sarajevo Security Conference to evaluate defense challenges facing Europe. Addressing emerging risks, EUROCONTROL representative Major General Karsten Stoye identified low-altitude uncrewed aircraft as the primary challenge confronting European airspace over the next five years. NATO Rear Admiral Van Zanten similarly underscored the necessity of integrating uncrewed maritime systems and artificial intelligence into naval defense strategies.
In parallel, officials in Bosnia and Herzegovina highlighted expanding domestic military manufacturing at the First Balkan Shield 2026 exhibition. Entity leaders announced plans to open two new manufacturing facilities, noting national arms output has doubled over the past three years to bolster regional defense and expand export opportunities.
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 20, 2026, 11:00 PM UTCDefense leaders meet in Sarajevo as Bosnia expands military production
- Oct 20, 2026, 03:00 PM UTCBosnia and Herzegovina expands defense sector amid Sarajevo security talks
- Oct 20, 2026, 11:00 AM UTCBosnia and Herzegovina highlights defense growth at Sarajevo security forum
- Oct 19, 2026, 11:00 PM UTCSarajevo defense talks highlight drone threats and military industry expansion
- Oct 18, 2026, 11:00 PM UTCBosnia expands defense production as Sarajevo hosts regional security conference
- Oct 18, 2026, 06:00 AM UTCSarajevo hosts security conference as Bosnia expands defense sector
- Oct 17, 2026, 06:00 PM UTCSarajevo security summit highlights drone threats and Bosnian defense expansion
- Oct 14, 2026, 07:00 AM UTCSarajevo defense events highlight emerging drone threats and Bosnian arms expansion
- Oct 13, 2026, 07:00 AM UTCSarajevo Security Conference highlights drone threats and defense growth
- Oct 10, 2026, 01:30 AM UTCSarajevo security conference highlights drone risks and defense expansion