Slovenia establishes Dovos to bolster defense industry

In September 2023, Slovenia established a new national defense company named Dovos, which aims to support and promote the development of products in the fields of defense, security, and resilience within the country. This initiative was a response to the changing security landscape in Europe, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The importance of strengthening national defense capabilities became evident after years of neglect post-1991, when Slovenia's defense industry had once been robust. Dovos, founded by the Slovenian Sovereign Holding, plans to launch its first calls for proposals from companies by the end of October 2023. This initiative is crucial as Cernjac, who is the assistant to the president of the SDH and the chairman of Dovos's supervisory board, indicated that there is a long cycle of investment ahead for the European defense industry. He expressed concern that, even if the war in Ukraine were to cease soon, the attention and resources would still need to focus on defense, as the European Union had not anticipated facing military threats of this magnitude. Cernjac emphasized that Slovenia's past assumption of safety, particularly after the breakup of Yugoslavia, led to a lack of investment in its defense capabilities. He noted that the world has significantly changed, pointing out that without security, societal and governmental structures cannot function effectively. Dovos aims to bridge Slovenian knowledge and technology with industrial applications, thus resulting in enhanced domestic capabilities and increased security. The long-term goal for Dovos not only includes meeting Slovenia's defense needs but also extends to marketing Slovenian defense products and technologies within the European Union and NATO. Cernjac stated that this is a critical time for Slovenia to invest not only in developing its security apparatus but also in overarching strategic technologies and critical infrastructures to ensure a more resilient future. With Slovenia's renewed focus on defense investment, the establishment of Dovos reflects a broader acknowledgment of the need for national security and resilience measures in this uncertain global environment. The company aims to advance Slovenia's position in the regional defense market, positioning the country as a contributor to European security efforts.