central-eastern-europe
Hungary’s SAFE plans are drawing scrutiny from EU partners over procurement transparency and interoperability, while Commission drone moves, Greenland geopolitics and Russian air-defence lessons shape Europe's defence debate.
eu
Amazon has halted its Prime Air commercial drone delivery plans in Italy after a strategic review despite successful test flights and regulator cooperation.
ukraine
Ukraine has begun using Leleka‑100 tactical drones that reportedly evade Russian interceptor systems, providing real-time reconnaissance and faster target engagement advantages.
Russia
Ukraine’s GUR says Russia’s jet-powered Geran-5 contains US and Chinese parts, underscoring supply-chain leakage and forcing Europe to tighten export controls while accelerating layered counter-UAS procurement.
![A 25 cm resolution ICEYE Dwell Precise image of a section of the Crimean Bridge (Kerch Strait Bridge), which Ukraine has attacked a number of times. [ICEYE]](/content/images/size/w600/2026/01/Crimean-Bridge-ICEYE.jpg)
ukraine
The Finnish microsatellite champion ICEYE has formalized an expanded service agreement with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence (MoD). While the financial terms remain undisclosed, the operational scope effectively creates a persistent, all-weather digital canopy over the theater of operations.
industry
Skyeton Prevail Solutions demonstrated the Raybird tactical UAS at the UK's Iron Titan exercise, validating operational readiness and signalling faster access to 'ready‑now' systems for allied forces.
defense
Greece warned commercial shipping of heightened Black Sea risks after recent drone attacks and urged operators to reassess routes, strengthen precautions and coordinate with authorities to protect maritime trade.
Russia
Sea drones forced a temporary halt to operations at a major Russian oil terminal, disrupting loading activities and raising energy‑security concerns.
defense
France’s procurement agency contracted Saab on 30 December 2025 to supply two GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft to boost national airborne surveillance and NATO interoperability.
military
Ukrainian forces are using autonomous and remotely piloted cargo drones to deliver ammunition, medical supplies and food directly to front-line units, reducing dependence on rear warehouses and vulnerable convoys.
military
The U.S. Air Force Test Center warns that autonomous systems only become reliable military capabilities after rigorous, realistic testing and evaluation.
central-eastern-europe
Czech L‑159 light attack jets and Saab Gripen fighters are the most likely aircraft that could be transferred to Ukraine to engage Shahed loitering munitions, but operational, technical and political constraints limit their effectiveness.