The latest briefing
- Premiered 8 September 2026
- An alternative launch method
FlyEye with X-LIFTAIR: a new launch method and a configuration question
The MSPO announcement concerns an existing aircraft’s launch method. We compare it with the product sheet and separate three different endurance figures.
- 5.5 m · modular platform
- MSPO 2026 premiere
StormRider 550 at MSPO: a smaller maritime platform, distinct from the 850
The new variant is 5.5 metres long. This year’s Defender award went to the larger StormRider 850. We separate the announcements and examine the infrastructure-protection context.
- Czosnów opened 7 September
- WITU cooperation announced at MSPO
MBDA in Poland: Czosnów support centre and WITU cooperation on CMI
Two announcements during MSPO week concern different industrial stages: support for existing programmes and development of a future counter-drone solution.
- 17 kg · reconnaissance robot
- Photo: PIAP training, 2024
PIAP Tarantula: the procurement predates the MSPO premiere
The manufacturer lists a 17 kg reconnaissance robot. We connect September’s public presentation with the earlier contract and planned first deliveries.
- 22 October · Erding
- Register by 15 October
Defence TechDay in Erding: use the updated October date
The organiser lists 22 October and registration by 15 October. Older search listings still show September.
- Apply by 31 October
- Independent evaluation · security clearance
EDF evaluators: expertise, clearance and the application process
This is an opportunity for individuals. Technical experience must be supported by an expert profile, security clearance and independence.
- 29 September · 17:00 Brussels
- Defence research and development
EDF SME calls: two routes, different budgets and co-financing needs
The 29 September deadline covers research and development, but their rules differ. We examine coordination, research-organisation budgets and prototype funding.
- EUR 180m · closes 13 Oct 2026
- EUR 80m · closes 16 Feb 2027
EDIP and Ukraine: €260 million across two production calls
October covers missiles and ammunition; February covers unmanned systems. We separate topic budgets, project ceilings and the scope of industrial investment.
- 3-6 November 2026
- Paris Nord Villepinte
Euronaval returns to Paris Nord Villepinte in November
The naval defence exhibition runs on 3-6 November, with participation routes for visitors, exhibitors and startups.
- MSPO interviews
- OMAG · Octava Defence · Ekolot
Working with Ukraine: openness and the urgency of decisions
At MSPO, OMAG and Octava Defence discussed cooperation and pace. Ekolot added a perspective from outside the Ukrainian market.
- 12-13 November 2026
- Warsaw · EXPO XXI
ReBuild Ukraine: Warsaw hosts the November reconstruction meeting
Construction and energy are the focus of the 12-13 November event at EXPO XXI.
- From 11 September 2026
- Full application: December 2027
Cyber Resilience Act: reporting duties start this September
11 September marks the start of reporting obligations. The main product requirements follow in December 2027.
- First board: 11 September
- 18 members · drones and counter-drones
EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance holds its first board meeting
The Brussels meeting follows July’s launch. WB Group is among the 18 founding members.
- REGDUALOSA · 19 recommendations
- Poland · Spain · Estonia
Podkarpackie in a new EU study on regional defence industries
A September policy brief examines regional support for dual-use companies, with a Polish case among three examples.
- 15-17 October 2026
- 8 countries · registration open
EUDIS Hackathon: autumn registration is open
Eight locations host the 15-17 October edition, with Ukrainian experience feeding into the challenges.
- 6 teams in the first group
- Unmanned vehicles · operational testing
Poland’s EdgeX Robotics among six BraveTech EU teams
The next stage centres on experiments with military users, including work alongside EU OPEX in Portugal.
- Up to EUR 30m investment
- Closes 28 October 2026
EIC STEP Defence: up to €30 million, within a much larger round
Ukraine is included in the new equity call. We explain the difference from a grant, the expected round size and the industrial scale-up requirement.
- Agreement at ILA Berlin
- Integrating drones with command systems
Airbus and SkyFall: the integration question behind their partnership
The June memorandum connects a Ukrainian drone company with a European air-defence integrator.
- 14-15 September 2026
- Łódź · dual-use technology
DUAL IMPACT in Łódź: supply chains and finance; registration closed
The 14-15 September forum connects industry and public authorities. Registration has closed; we examine the programme’s relevance to dual-use suppliers.
- Due diligence
- Trial · donation · order
“Used in Ukraine”: how MSSG examined a counter-UAS investment case
An anonymised case study separates user access, trial results and commercial evidence, with integration and production readiness included in the assessment.
- MSPO 2026
- Propulsion · operator · testing
“Autonomous” - but which part?
At MSPO, PERAVIA and Lendurai describe two different engineering challenges. The interviews cover propulsion efficiency, onboard functions and the operator’s role.
- MSPO interviews
- Suppliers · permits · certification
Beyond the stand: suppliers, permits and certification
Four MSPO conversations show the work that remains after a defence product reaches the exhibition hall.
- EUR 150bn in loans to states
- Joint defence procurement
SAFE: how European loans become industrial procurement
The €150 billion envelope goes to governments. Suppliers need a procurement route, documented component origin and the right degree of control over product design.
- Product validation
- Evidence · conditions · limits
From demonstration to decision: six questions about defence validation
Two anonymised MSSG projects show why sensor software and an interceptor need different evidence, partners and market-entry milestones.