Bosnia to host “First Balkan Shield – Industrial Expo & Summit 2026”

The First Deputy Chair of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Minister of Defense, Zukan Helez, held a meeting in Sarajevo with ambassadors and members of the Association of Military-Diplomatic Representatives accredited in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He invited them to encourage defense industry companies from their respective countries to participate in a major military exhibition to be held in early September in Sarajevo, CE Report informs via the Ministry of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina's official website.

The arms and military equipment fair, titled “First Balkan Shield – Industrial Expo & Summit 2026,” the first of its kind in Bosnia and Herzegovina, will take place from September 1 to 4, 2026, at the Zetra Hall in Sarajevo. The event is organized by the renowned domestic company UNIS Group from Sarajevo and the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the support of the Ministry of Defense of BiH.

At the meeting with ambassadors and members of the Association of Military-Diplomatic Representatives accredited in BiH, held at the Armed Forces Hall, the Federal Minister of Energy, Mining and Industry, Vedran Lakić, also participated.

The Director of UNIS Group, Denis Silajžić, presented key details about the exhibition, including its importance for the development of the defense industry in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as opportunities for market expansion and cooperation with international partners.

“This event represents an important step forward in promoting the domestic industry and connecting it with regional and international partners,” Minister Helez said.

He invited military-diplomatic representatives to encourage defense industry companies from their countries to attend and showcase their capabilities at the fair.

“The defense industry in Bosnia and Herzegovina has recently experienced a kind of revival, with record results in exports and production. There is still significant room for further progress and new business opportunities. That is precisely why this fair represents an exceptional opportunity to further strengthen the sector, improve production capacities, attract new investments, and reinforce BiH’s position in the international market. I am confident that today’s discussions will lay the foundation for future projects and the strengthening of partnerships, as well as open new paths for further modernization of the Armed Forces of BiH,” Minister Zukan Helez stated.

The “First Balkan Shield” defense industry fair is expected to bring together exhibitors from across Bosnia and Herzegovina, the region, and the world, providing a platform to present new technological solutions and industrial achievements across more than 7,000 square meters of exhibition space at Zetra.

“The fair will serve as a meeting place for experts, manufacturers, and partners, where innovations will be showcased, ideas exchanged, and new opportunities for development and cooperation opened. This event will further contribute to positioning our country as an active participant in modern industrial and technological trends,” Federal Minister Lakić concluded.

Photo: Ministry of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina