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defence & security
Navigating the strategic complexities of the defence, security, and dual-use innovation landscape across Central and Eastern Europe with precision, discretion, and cross-border legal insight.
The defence and security industry is evolving rapidly — driven by global geopolitical shifts, tightening regulations, increased defence spending, and accelerated innovation in dual-use and emerging technologies. This dynamic landscape is further shaped by the rise of defence-tech startups, venture-backed innovators, and strategic investors fueling cutting-edge development.
In this highly sensitive and strategically significant sector, companies and their stakeholders require legal advisors with an in-depth understanding of government relations, procurement frameworks, and security protocols, as well as cross-jurisdictional regulatory foresight.
Schoenherr supports international and regional players operating in or entering the defence and security markets across CEE/SEE. With proven experience in advising on public procurement, export controls, sanctions compliance, cybersecurity, and sensitive M&A transactions, we stand as a reliable partner to defence contractors, systems integrators, high-tech manufacturers of defence equipment, sovereign investors, and emerging startups entering the dual-use technology and security space.
Strategic Legal Services Across the Defence Ecosystem
We offer tailored legal solutions along the entire defence and security value chain, including:
- Government Procurement & PPPs: Advising on tender procedures, legal challenges, and compliance in defence procurement and public-private partnerships.
- Export Control & Sanctions: Navigating dual-use item regulations, EU and national-level sanctions regimes, and cross-border compliance.
- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Screening: Managing regulatory scrutiny and approval processes for sensitive sector investments, including venture-backed and early-stage entries.
- Cybersecurity & Defence Tech: Structuring contracts, negotiating licenses, and risk mitigation within cybersecurity, AI, and advanced surveillance systems — supporting innovators and the venture ecosystem alike.
- Joint Ventures & M&A: Advising on the establishment and structuring of defence joint-ventures, including due diligence on national security-sensitive legal aspects — particularly in transactions involving startups or VC-backed companies.
- Venture Capital & Startup Advisory: Supporting growth and private equity funds, venture funds and startups with defence-sector ambitions on regulatory compliance, investment structuring, intellectual property, and strategic partnerships.
- Litigation & Regulatory Investigations: Defending clients in procurement disputes, anti-bribery probes, and regulatory enforcement proceedings.
Schoenherr's presence across key CEE/SEE countries ensures local expertise with seamless cross-border coordination. Our lawyers combine sector-specific knowledge with regulatory depth to advise global players, emerging innovators, and investors operating in countries with diverse defence priorities and regulatory regimes. We act as the conduit between local law and international defence compliance standards.
We represent a broad spectrum of industry actors, including:
- Aerospace and defence contractors
- Dual-use technology manufacturers
- State-owned enterprises and ministries
- Cybersecurity and AI solution providers
- Growth and private equity funds, venture capital funds and startup founders in the defence-tech space
- Private equity firms with defence investments
Our mandates are often high-stakes and confidential, requiring a trusted adviser with deep understanding of the case and absolute discretion.
talk to our defence & security experts
For legal advice that balances strategic clarity with regulatory rigour, get in touch with our dedicated defence and security team.
Constantin
Benes
Partner
austria vienna
Alexandra
Doytchinova
Office Managing Partner
bulgaria
Sebastian
Guţiu
Office Managing Partner
romania
Thomas
Kulnigg
Partner
austria vienna
Michael
Woller
Partner
austria vienna
anticipating tomorrow’s defence legal challenges
Through publications, newsletters, legal insights and podcasts, our team frequently analyses legal trends in national defence regulation, transatlantic policy developments, and compliance challenges. We actively monitor EU defence industrial policy, cybersecurity regulation, and export control reforms — including developments impacting startups and their investors — to ensure our clients remain ahead of the curve.
newsletter
ReArm Europe: (Financing of) Defence made in the EU
1 Taking matters into own hands
On 19 March 2025, the EU Commission presented a White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030. At the same time, it introduced a comprehensive defence package as part of the ReArm Europe Plan, providing financial incentives for EU Member States to boost investments in defence capabilities.