A N A LYS I S Defence Industry in Central Eastern Europe Analysis of the Slovenian Defence Sector Katja Geršak/Jelena Juvan This paper analyses the contemporary Slovenian defence industry, with particular emphasis on current capabilities, structure, and strategic importance within the EU-NATO framework. A brief historical overview of the Yugoslav period and the transition after independence is included to provide essential context for today’s industrial and institutional arrangements. The main emphasis is placed on present-day developments, including technological orientation, dual-use innovation, and international integration. The chapter concludes by assessing the sector’s economic contribution and future potential. 1. Historical Review: Defence Industry during Yugoslavia and after Independence After 1945, Yugoslavia systematically established an exten sive defence-industrial complex. In Slovenia, key facilities included Barutana Kamnik(explosives), Železarne Ravne (special steels and weapons components), TAM Maribor (military trucks and light armoured vehicles), and Iskra (communications, electronics, optics, and lasers)(Završnik, 2014). Due to the political split with the Soviet Union in the late 1940s, Yugoslavia invested substantial resources in de veloping its own military industry, which led to significant technological growth in the 1970s and 1980s. During the so cialist era, Yugoslavia maintained one of the largest defence industries in the non-aligned world, ranging from infantry weapons and ammunition to armoured vehicles, electronics, shipbuilding, and aircraft production. The industry was able to meet up to 80% of the requirements of the Yugoslav People’s Army(JLA). The industry was highly specialised, technologically advanced, and strongly export-oriented. Slovenian firms delivered critical sub-components that were then integrated into larger platforms manufactured in other republics. Because of Yugoslavia’s strategy of dispersing defence production geographically for political and security reasons, Slovenia’s industrial capacity was essential for federal autonomy. Slovenian companies, however, were limited despite their innovations because decisions were centralised in Belgrade and independent export was prohibited; all exports were conducted exclusively through the state company SDPR. By the end of the 1980s, the Slovenian defence in dustry comprised three major military factories and 25 larg er subcontractors, and produced more than 220 million pieces of ammunition and equipment annually. The War for Independence and Development of Slovenia’s Defence Sector Independence brought significant challenges for the Slovenian defence industry. The breakup of Yugoslavia, the end of the Cold War, and the UN arms embargo caused sales to Analysis of the Slovenian Defence Sector 1

fall almost fourfold and severed links with traditional buyers and partners. Yugoslav-era production had been highly fragmented; Slovenian companies typically manufactured components rather than complete systems. This model became unviable once the federal market disappeared. The Slovenian defence industry therefore required drastic restructuring and faced a severe decline. Most firms faced immediate contraction, minimal domestic demand, bankruptcies, and restructuring towards civilian production(Kopač, 2002). At the same time, Slovenia developed its defence legislation, including the 1994 Defence Act, which set rules for military production and trade. According to this Act, companies must obtain the consent of the Government of the Repub lic of Slovenia for the trade in military equipment and the consent of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slo venia(MORS) for its production. NATO and EU membership had already reoriented Slovenia towards modern Euro-Atlantic standards, requiring full STANAG compatibility and extensive technological upgrades. Integration into EU defence frameworks – EDF, PES CO, and NATO STO – further boosted collaboration and innovation. During this period, Slovenian companies expanded in high-tech niches such as UAV/UGV systems, anti-drone technologies, sensors, C2 systems, secure communications, simulators, weapon stations, protective materials, and military textiles. Firms including Fotona, Guardiaris, Valhalla Turrets, Carboteh, Globus, and Arex increasingly positioned themselves as export-oriented producers. Growing defence budgets and procurement programmes(e.g., 8x8 vehicles, C4ISR, helicopters) created opportunities for domestic par ticipation through offsets. Overall, Slovenia evolved into a small but technologically capable, internationally integrated defence producer within the EU-NATO ecosystem. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine in 2022 triggered broad European reforms, renewed attention to military readiness, increased spending, and revived interest in strengthening domestic industry. In Slovenia, this led to adjustments in strategic documents, increased spending, and attempts to strengthen the defence industry, most recently with the establishment of DOVOS. 2. The Situation Today Over the past two decades, Slovenia has pursued a strategy emphasising technological autonomy, dual-use innovation, and integration into multinational development programmes. The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slove nia(MoD) explicitly recognises the national defence indus try base as a strategic asset, both for security and economic potential, particularly in fields where dual-use technologies support civilian and military applications. A defining feature of the sector is its orientation toward a broad technology base. Many Slovenian companies operate at the intersection of civilian and defence innovation, especially in areas such as electronics, unmanned systems, advanced materials, sensors, and digital technologies. This approach aligns with the global shift towards dual-use capabilities and enables Slovenian firms to compete in niche markets despite their limited size. The state has increasingly supported this direction by investing in research and development, standardisation and certification processes, and by promoting stronger links with the European Defence Fund(EDF), the EU single market, and NATO capability-building initiatives. Slovenian companies have also strengthened their export orientation, playing active roles in international supply chains and regularly participating in European and global defence exhibitions. A notable example is the SIDEC 2025 defence industry fair in Celje, where more than 110 Slovenian companies presented their products, demonstrating the breadth of the national ecosystem. On the procurement side, Slovenia’s defence budget is growing towards NATO’s 2% GDP target, which has revitalised mod ernisation programmes for the Slovenian Armed Forces and created opportunities for domestic contractors in maintenance, integration, and sub-system production. Several capability clusters illustrate the sector’s growing sophistication: unmanned aerial and ground platforms, weapon stations and turrets, sensor and electronic systems, ballistic protection and advanced textiles, defence logistics integration, cybersecurity, and system integration services. Although the sector remains small in absolute terms, it is increasingly characterised by innovation, export orientation, and cross-border cooperation, rather than the heavy standalone industrial platforms typical of the Yugoslav era. Most defence companies are privately owned, with the state holding only minor stakes in a few firms and none majority-owned; some companies have foreign ownership(Interview 2). The state currently acts mainly as an R&D funder, investing about€23 million annually, which has supported several new products in recent years. The establishment of the Strategic Council for the Defence In dustry opens the possibility for limited state participation – as a minority owner or through joint ventures – in strategically important companies or technologies to retain domestic know-how(Interviews 1, 2, 4). In September 2025, the state established DOVOS d.o.o. as a fully state-owned enterprise, with initial capital of€3 million, to invest in high-technology defence and du al-use firms and support their integration into European and NATO supply chains, in line with the 2025 national de fence industrial strategy(SDH, 2025). Public debate has stressed the need for strong transparency and parliamentary oversight(MMC, 2025). Most Slovenian firms primarily produce civilian goods with defence applications, requiring special permits only for direct defence production. The defence industry generates around 40% higher value added than the nation al average(nearly€100,000 per employee) and has the po tential to contribute up to 10% of GDP, comparable to the automotive or tourism sectors(Interviews 1, 2, 4). Key Companies and Capability Clusters Slovenia’s defence industry consists of a diverse range of small and medium-sized firms specialising in high-value niches. Some of the most prominent are listed in Table 1. Analysis of the Slovenian Defence Sector 2

Most significant companies in the Slovenian defence industry Company Sector/ Specialisation Key Products/ Capabilities) Export Revenue Activity) (2024) Table 1 Property Employees (2024) C-Astral d.o.o. Unmanned Aircraft Systems(UAS) Fixed-wing UAS, ISR systems, ground control stations 24% of income 5.26 mln Private 24 Valhalla Tur- Remote Weapon Sta- Remote weapon turrets, Yes rets d.o.o. tions fire-control integration €7.19 mln Private 20-35 AREX d.o.o. Weapons& Ammuni Training ammo, links, tion weapon parts, pistols Yes/ €26.24 mln Private 152 86% ex-(foreign port owned) share MIL Sistemi- C4I/ Military Soft ka d.o.o. ware Battlefield manageInterna€716,648.44 Private 6-8 ment systems, C2 plat tional forms markets (Europe, Asia, and beyond) Arctur d.o.o. HPC/ Digital Tech nologies Cloud computing, HPC, Yes data platforms €4.49 mln Private 48 Onedrone d.o.o. UAS sales& integra tion Drone integrations, ex port channels Strong €2.47 mln Private 8-12 ARMAS d.o.o. Defence Components Components for weap- Yes(85%)€22 mln / Steel ons, armoured elements Private 26 DAT CON d.o.o. border surveillance, infrastructure protection and observation systems Pan-Tilt systems, Multisensor Observation Systems, SWIR Camer as More than 98% €29.5 mln Private 95 Guardiaris advanced simulation Vehicle and Remote Data not€14.05 mln Private 72 d.o.o. and training solutions Weapon Station(RWS) available for defence, security, simulators; Anti-armour and related sectors. / anti-tank weapon simulators Biokoda d.o.o. Advanced security software, encrypted communication Security communica53% tion platform, NCSA certification for government use at NATO RE STRICTED level €1.12 mln Private 12 Skylabs d.o.o. miniaturised satellite avionics, on-board data handling systems and ground-segment solutions Space technology 99%€3.12 mln Private 26 Source: Own elaboration based on data from SloExport. AJPES, Company Wall. Analysis of the Slovenian Defence Sector 3

The companies presented in Table 1 were identified using a twofold approach. First, input from relevant institu tional stakeholders was used to determine the organisations most commonly referenced. Second, the selection sought to ensure representation across different technological domains, including entities operating in areas such as space-related technologies and secure communications. Defence-Industry Ecosystem and Clustering GOIS(the Slovenian Defence Industry Cluster) is a volun tary and independent business-interest association( gospodarsko interesno združenje) that brings together companies, suppliers, and service providers active in the fields of defence, security, and protection. Its mission is to connect and coordinate Slovenian producers and service providers within the defence and security sector, promote cooperation among members, support industry development, and facilitate collaboration between industry, state institutions(such as the Ministry of Defence), and research and innovation bodies. As of November 2025, GOIS comprises 176 mem bers. By comparison, in early 2024, the cluster had 58 mem bers, meaning that its membership has tripled in less than two years(Interview 2). However, according to Mr Boštjan Skalar(Interview 2),“some companies have joined GOIS primarily in anticipation of immediate financial benefits.” The Slovenian state currently invests around EUR 23 million annually in research and development supporting around 140 to 150 projects. Alongside traditional defence manufac turers, an increasing number of companies are active in areas such as protective shelters, monitoring of soldiers’ physical condition, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, protection of critical infrastructure, and food and water security. Consequently, the defence industry extends well beyond con ventional weapons systems to encompass technologies such as drone and counter-drone solutions, autonomous vehicles, mobile outposts, and related capabilities(Interview 2). According to GOIS and public descriptions of the Slovenian defence-industrial base, members cover a wide and diversified portfolio: personal protection gear, communication systems, optoelectronics, telecommunications; vehicles, vessels, aircraft, and vehicle upgrades(e.g., light armoured vehicles, special-purpose vehicles); engineering, logistics, maintenance, infrastructure support; research and development(R&D), innovation, manufacturing, testing, and marketing of defence and security technologies; dual-use technology and products serving both military and civilian markets(Slovenian Defence Industry Cluster Cata logue). 3. Foreign Investments and Participations Foreign investments and participations in the Slovenian de fence industrial ecosystem remain relatively modest, as Slovenia’s strategic approach prioritises domestic ownership, technological sovereignty, and the strengthening of national supply chains. According to Interview 1, Slovenia’s de fence industry is increasingly attractive to highly advanced domestic technology companies in fields such as biotechnology, IT, and quantum technologies, which currently op erate mainly in civilian markets but are showing strong interest in dual-use and defence-related activities. This shift reflects an inward-oriented innovation dynamic rather than reliance on foreign capital. International participation is therefore channelled primarily through structured multinational frameworks (EDF, PESCO, EDA CapTechs, NATO programmes such as NATO DIANA, STO, and NIAG), where Slovenian compa nies gain access to foreign partners, specialised knowledge, and competitive funding without ceding ownership or control. Three Slovenian companies – PeK Automotive, Roboti na, and Microbium – were selected for inclusion in the 2026 DIANA cohort from a pool of approximately 3,600 ap plicants, qualifying them to participate in NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator programme. Slovenia’s exceptional performance in EDF calls, where it ranked among the most successful states relative to population size in the first year of the programme, demonstrates that foreign participation is predominantly collaborative rather than investment-driven, meaning foreign actors are mainly involved through cooperation rather than ownership. In practice, this refers to partnerships such as joint projects, technology cooperation, subcontracting, or participation in supply chains, without significant foreign capital investment or equity stakes in domestic companies. The Ministry of Defence reinforces this model by issuing annual letters of support, co-financing projects accepted into EU schemes, and integrating domestic companies into multinational consortia, ensuring that external cooperation directly strengthens the domestic R&D base, accelerates capability development, and retains high-value expertise within Slovenia rather than transferring it abroad. Slovenia has been extremely active in the EDF from the outset; in the first year, it was the most successful country in the tender(measured by the success rate of companies relative to the number of inhabitants) and continues its activities(Interview 1). Each year, the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia organises national in formation days to present that year’s call and specific topics, and to invite an expert from the European Commission to answer questions from the audience. Every year, the Ministry issues several letters of support as well as dedicated letters of cooperation to assist Slovenian companies with applications. Slovenian companies and research institutions are invited to meetings of the Technological CapTechs within the European Defence Agency, where concrete RTI projects are developed. These meetings also provide excellent opportunities for networking and the creation of future consortia, especially for EDF calls, and ultimately for knowl edge transfer within the European defence sector. Slovenian companies have already demonstrated that they are highly successful in European tenders, particularly the EDF. Analysis of the Slovenian Defence Sector 4

4. Technological, Industrial and Cooperation Potential of Slovenia’s Defence Sector Slovenia’s defence-industrial base is limited in scale but comparatively advanced in a set of specialised, high-technology, and predominantly dual-use niches. Rather than competing in large-scale production of heavy platforms or ammunition, Slovenia’s comparative advantage lies in modular subsystems, software, sensors, unmanned systems, and simulation technologies that align closely with current European rearmament priorities. These capabilities position Slovenian companies as credible second-tier suppliers and research and development partners within multinational European consortia, rather than as stand-alone prime contractors. Unmanned Systems and ISR Slovenia has developed a mature ecosystem in unmanned aerial systems and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. C-Astral Aerospace is a vertically integrated manufacturer of NATO Class I tactical UAS, combining inhouse airframes, EO/IR payloads, secure datalinks, and mission-planning software. Its systems are operationally proven with NATO and non-NATO users and are suitable for scaled production if demand increases. These platforms are directly relevant for artillery support, border surveillance, persistent ISR, and CBRN reconnaissance, and are well suited for inclusion in European Defence Fund(EDF) and PESCO system-of-systems projects. Smaller firms complement this ecosystem through platform integration, services, and niche applications. C4I Software and Digital Battlefield Solutions In command, control, and digitalisation, Mil Sistemika provides a comprehensive, NATO-interoperable C4I software suite spanning dismounted soldiers, vehicle platforms, and higher-level headquarters. These software-centric solutions support blue-force tracking, sensor-to-shooter integration, and data fusion across all echelons. Their modularity and openness make them highly scalable and attractive to Western European primes developing digitised force structures, integrated fires, and multi-domain command and control systems, particularly in programmes requiring rapid prototyping and interoperability among heterogeneous national systems. Biokoda d.o.o. develops advanced security software, providing an encrypted communication platform certified by the NCSA for government use at the NATO RE STRICTED level. Remote Weapon Stations, SHORAD, and Counter-UAS Fire Platforms Valhalla Turrets develops remotely controlled weapon stations and turrets in the 25–30 mm class, optimised for short-range air defence, counter-drone, and multi-role applications. Procurement and testing by the Slovenian Armed Forces, combined with Ministry of Defence co-fi nancing, indicate a maturing industrial and certification base. Existing cooperation with foreign partners, including integration on manned and unmanned platforms, demonstrates strong potential for embedding Slovenian turrets within wider European SHORAD, convoy protection, and manoeuvre air-defence programmes. Sensors, Surveillance, and Border-Security Systems DAT-CON contributes advanced EO/IR sensors, radar-inte grated surveillance systems, and the LYNX counter-UAS solution for border, infrastructure, and airspace protection. These systems are operationally validated and have already entered cross-border co-production arrangements, illustrating Slovenia’s capacity for transnational industrial teaming. Such capabilities directly support EU priorities in external border management, critical infrastructure protection, and layered counter-drone architectures. Simulation, Training, Digital Twins, and HPC Simulation and synthetic training environments represent another area of comparative advantage. Companies such as Guardiaris and Arctur provide customised military simulators, digital twins, high-performance computing, and advanced data-processing services. These capabilities are essential enablers for rapid rearmament, as they shorten training cycles, support certification of new systems, and enable live-virtual-constructive training concepts. Slovenian firms are already embedded in EU- and MoD-funded projects that link simulation, UAS, and C4I development, reinforcing their value as partners for European readiness and training initiatives. In addition, the Jožef Stefan Insti tute contributes strong research capabilities in artificial intelligence and digital-twinning technologies, further strengthening the national ecosystem. Precision Engineering, Small Arms, and Protective Equipment Additional strengths include precision engineering, smallarms components, and protective equipment. Arex Defense is an established supplier of pistols and ammunition belt links to European NATO members, while companies within the GOIS cluster contribute protective textiles, uniforms, and personal protective equipment. These sectors offer op portunities to strengthen and diversify European supply chains, particularly where smaller production runs, flexibility, and customisation are required. Cooperation Framework and International Integration Foreign ownership in Slovenia’s defence sector remains limited, reflecting a strategic preference for national ownership and technological autonomy. Internationalisation occurs mainly through structured cooperation mechanisms such as the EDF, PESCO, EDA Capability Technology Groups, and NATO innovation and research programmes. Analysis of the Slovenian Defence Sector 5

Slovenia has performed strongly in EDF calls relative to its size, supported by active Ministry of Defence co-financing and facilitation. These frameworks provide access to funding, certification, and standardisation while ensuring that intellectual property and high-value expertise remain embedded in the national ecosystem. 5. Country-Specific Challenges for Slovenia Scepticism towards NATO Slovenian attitudes towards NATO have evolved from initial ambivalence to stable majority support, but with a persistent critical minority. Early polls showed a divided public, but support gradually consolidated, culminating in the 2003 accession referendum, where a clear majority voted in favour – helped in part by simultaneous EU membership voting. Debates about NATO membership often relate to defence expenditures. Slovenian public attitudes towards defence expenditure remain cautious, and this fiscal scepticism is closely linked to a broader ambivalence towards NATO’s requirements and burden-sharing expectations. While support for NATO membership itself is relatively high(around 70–75% in recent 2025 polls), willingness to increase defence spending is consistently lower. A July 2025 Vox populi survey(Dnevnik.si, 2025) found that 65.7% of respondents opposed holding a referendum on raising defence expenditure, indicating that the public does not perceive higher spending as a priority and wishes to avoid political mobilisation on this issue. At the same time, only a minority supports reaching NATO’s 2%-of-GDP bench mark, a pattern visible in longitudinal Slovensko javno mnenje(SJM) surveys, where defence ranks among the least preferred public-budget categories. This tension produces a characteristic Slovenian pattern: support for remaining in NATO as a security umbrella, paired with reluctance to assume the financial commitments associated with alliance credibility. Public scepticism towards higher military spending therefore reinforces a subtler form of scepticism towards NATO itself, most likely not so much a rejection of membership, but resistance to the alliance’s expectations regarding capability development, investment, and long-term burden sharing. Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Slovenia’s political discourse on security and defence has undergone a notable transformation. For the first time in many years, almost the entire political spectrum – spanning both the previous and the current government – explicitly situates Slovenia within the Western security community and endorses assistance to Ukraine. Defence issues have gained significantly greater public and political visibility, accompanied by clearer affirmations of Slovenia’s commitment to NATO and its Western partners. At the same time, there is a growing recognition that credible national defence requires more than symbolic contributions; it demands the development of substantive national capabilities. Several previously persistent but unrealistic assumptions – such as the belief that Slovenia could remain on the margins of major European and transatlantic security dynamics – have diminished. Nevertheless, the political discourse is still unevenly structured and often lacks a coherent national strategic framework. Conclusion Even if NATO defence spending targets are fully implemented, Slovenia is unlikely to become a producer of heavy weapon systems or mass ammunition. Slovenia’s most realistic and strategically valuable role lies in high-technology, modular, and software-centric niches that align closely with current European rearmament priorities. By acting as a specialised supplier and R&D partner within multinational EU and NATO consortia and leveraging dual-use technologies that also support civil protection and climate-related crisis response, Slovenia can make a disproportionate contribution to European defence capabilities while maintaining technological autonomy and a resilient national industrial base. References 24ur.com.(2002) Več Slovencev za vstop v Nato. Retrieved from: https://www.24ur.com/novice/slovenija/vec-slovencev-za-vstop-v-nato. html 24ur.com.(2025) Slovenci podpirajo članstvo v Natu in višje obrambne izdatke. Retrieved from: https://www.24ur.com/novice/slovenija/ javnomnenjska-raziskava-o-obrambi-in-natu.html Arctur d.o.o.(n.d.) Arctur – High performance computing, digital twins & Tourism 4.0. Retrieved from https://www.arctur.si AJPES.(n.d.) Slovenian business Registry. Retrieved from: https:// www.ajpes.si/registers/slovenian_business_register C-Astral Aerospace.(n.d.) Unmanned aircraft systems. Retrieved from https://www.c-astral.com/ Company Wall.(n.d.) https://www.companywall.si/ DAT-CON d.o.o.(n.d.) Mobile and stationary observation& surveillance systems. Retrieved from https://www.dat-con.com/ Defense Guide.(n.d.) DAT-CON d.o.o. Retrieved from https://defense-guide.com/item/dat-con-d-o-o/ Dnevnik.si.(2025) Javnomnenjska večina za višje obrambne izdatke in tudi za Nato. Retrieved from: https://www.dnevnik.si/novice/slovenija/ za-visje-izdatke-in-tudi-za-nato-2743560/ Dok Ing.(2025) OK-ING and Valhalla Turrets Unite to Advance De Analysis of the Slovenian Defence Sector 6

fence Innovation: MV-8 Komodo+ Mangart 25 AD Premieres at SIDEC 20. Retrieved from: https://dok-ing.hr/news/dok-ing-valhalla-turretsunmanned-air-defence-systems-sidec-2025/ Hadalin, Jurij(2013). Široka ponudba“proizvodov s posebnim namen om”. Zgodovina za vse, letnik 20, številka 2, str. 28–40. URN:NBN:SI: doc-0OQ9HWZ1 from http://www.dlib.si Interview 1(2025) Interview with Ministry of Defence(Directorate for Defence Politics and Directorate for Defence Interview 2(2025) Interview with Mr. Boštjan Skalar, Slovenian De fence Industry Cluster Interview 3(2025) Interview with Mr. Srečko Šestan, Head of Civil Pro tection of Republic of Slovenia Interview 4(2025) Interview with Mr. Željko Kralj, Head of Directorate of Logistics, Ministry of Defence Interview 5(2025) Interview with Dr. Erik Kopač, defence industry ana lyst(Faculty of Social Sciences) Interview 6(2025) Interview with Ms. Lidija Jerkič, trade union SKEI Kopač, Erik(2002). Preoblikovanje vojaške industrije. In Nacionalna in mednarodna varnost, ur. Marjan, Malešič, 210–26. Ljubljana: FDV. MIL Sistemika d.o.o.(n.d.) https://www.companywall.si/podjetje/ mil-sistemika-doo/MM1GBu80 MMC.(2015) Constitutional court overturned the convictions in the Patria case. Retrieved from: https://www.rtvslo.si/news-in-english/constitutional-court-overturned-the-convictions-in-the-patria-case/363556 MMC.(2025) Logar ustanovitev obrambnega holdinga označil za“kra jo desetletja” v sodelovanju Svobode in SDS-a. Retrieved from: https:// www.rtvslo.si/slovenija/logar-ustanovitev-obrambnega-holdingaoznacil-za-krajo-desetletja-v-sodelovanju-svobode-in-sds-a/757818 Nato.gov.si.(2002) Javno mnenje. Retrieved from: http://nato.gov.si/ slo/javno-mnenje/ OneDrone d.o.o.(n.d.). Professional drone systems, services and training. Retrieved from https://www.onedrone.com SloExport.(n.d.) Company profiles: C-Astral d.o.o., DAT-CON d.o.o., Arctur d.o.o. Retrieved from https://www.sloexport.si/ SignalGeneriX.(2024) Agreement between SignalGeneriX and Slove nian company DAT-CON for the LYNX anti-drone system. Retrieved from: https://www.signalgenerix.com/agreement-between-signalgenerix-and-slovenian-company-dat-con-for-the-lynx-anti-drone-system/ Terra Drone Corporation.(n.d.) Terra Drone acquires stake in Slovenia’s aerospace solutions provider C-Astral. Retrieved from https://terra-drone.net/global/2019/04/12/1123/ The Slovenia Times.(2008) Patria Still Causing a Stir. Retrieved from: https://sloveniatimes.com/1729/patria-still-causing-a-stir The Slovenia Times,(2021) Slovenia marks 30th anniversary of Brijuni Declaration. Retrieved from: https://sloveniatimes.com/25496/slove nia-marks-30th-anniversary-of-brijuni-declaration Valhalla Turrets d.o.o.(n.d.) Remote weapon stations(RWS) and fire-control systems. Retrieved from https://www.valhalla-turrets.com/ Republic of Slovenia.(1991) Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia (Ustava Republike Slovenije). Official Gazette of the Republic of Slo venia, No. 33/91-I, with subsequent amendments. Retrieved from: https://pisrs.si/pregledPredpisa?id=USTA1 SDH(2025) SDH ustanovil DOVOS, družbo za obrambo, var nost in odpornost, d.o.o. Retrieved from: https://www.sdh.si/sl-si/ novice /4921/sdh-ustanovil-dovos-druzbo-za-obrambo-varnostin-odpornost-d-o-oSIDEC – Slovenian Defence Industry Exhibition.(n.d.) Exhibitor catalogue. Retrieved from https://www.sidec.si/wp-content/ uploads /2025/10/SIDEC25_katalog_A4_web.pdf SIPRI(2012) UN arms embargo on Yugoslavia(FRY). Retrieved from: https://www.sipri.org/databases/embargoes/un_arms_embargoes/ yugoslavia/yugoslavia-1991 Slovenian Defence Industry Cluster Catalogue.(2025) https://www. giz-gois.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/katalog-gois-2025-10-15.pdf Završnik Nina(2014) Obrambna industrija v Sloveniji(Defence Indus try in Slovenia). Faculty of Social Sciences About the Authors Katja Geršak is head of Trivelis Institute for Defence, Security and Resilience. She has previously served as Director of the Centre for Eu ropean Perspective(CEP).At Trivelis Institute for Defence, Security and Resilience she focuses on defence industry development, societal re silience, and responses to contemporary security challenges. Her work connects public institutions, industry, and policy analysis, contributing to informed discussion on Slovenia’s role within European and transatlantic defence frameworks. Asst. Prof. Jelena Juvan, PhD , is a lecturer and senior research fellow at the Chair of Defence Studies and the Defence Research Centre at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana. Her teaching and research focus is on security and defence policy of the EU, European Security, cyber and information security. She lectures on several undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including EU Security and Defence Policy, Security in the Information Society, Defence and Security System of Republic of Slovenia, and Cyber Security. Analysis of the Slovenian Defence Sector 7

Other titels in the series Defence Industry in Central Eastern Europe The Defence Sector in the Czech Republic: Past, Present and Future (January 2026) The Defence Sector in Central and Eastern Europe – The Hungarian Case(January 2026) The Defence Sector in Poland(January 2026) The Romanian Defence Sector: An Analysis of Industrial Capacity, Fiscal Challenges, and the Potential for European Cooperation (January 2026) The Defence Sector in Slovakia(January 2026) Imprint Published by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung e.V. Godesberger Allee 149 53175 Bonn info@fes.de Publishing Department Department for International Cooperation/ European Union and North America Department Content Responsibility and Editing Dr. Ernst Hillebrand, Director FES Budapest Contact budapest@fes.de Image Credits P. 1: Moleng24/Tymofii The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung e.V.(FES). Commercial use of media published by FES is not permitted without the written con sent of the FES. Publications by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung may not be used for election campaign purposes. January 2026 © Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung e. V. ISBN 978-3-98628-813-6 Further publications of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung can be found here: ↗ www.fes.de/publikationen Department for International Cooperation Analysis of the Slovenian Defence Sector 8