A milestone for innovation, investment and the technological development of Sarajevo Canton
Sarajevo Canton is emerging as an increasingly important centre for innovation and advanced technologies in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A strong example is the recent presentation of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s first domestically developed drone by the Center for Advanced Technologies (CNT) Sarajevo, a partner of the Cantonal Agency for Attracting Investments and Privatization (KAIP), with which CNT has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation.
The project represents an important milestone for Sarajevo Canton, demonstrating the potential of local knowledge, engineering and research to generate products with international market potential and create new opportunities for investment.
“This is a very important project for Sarajevo Canton and a significant opportunity to further strengthen our efforts to attract new investments. Innovation and technological advancement are essential for accelerating economic development, increasing competitiveness and attracting higher-quality investors who are looking for knowledge, technology and highly skilled people,” said Adnan Jašarević, Director of KAIP.
At the centre of this achievement is Ensar Mulaosmanović, Director of CNT, who leads an institution increasingly focused on connecting research, innovation, advanced technologies and industry.
Presented at The First Balkan Shield 2026, the CNT-17FW01 attracted significant attention from the media, industry professionals and potential international partners. The aircraft has a 5.4-metre wingspan, a 16 kW engine, a payload capacity of up to 30 kilograms and flight endurance of up to 12 hours.
The project has become one of the most widely reported technology stories in Bosnia and Herzegovina, putting Sarajevo’s technological capabilities into the spotlight.
From innovation to investment
For Sarajevo Canton, the importance of this achievement goes beyond the development of a single aircraft. It demonstrates that advanced technologies can be developed in Sarajevo and connected with international investors, companies and markets.
The project opens opportunities across research and development, electronics, software, sensors, communications, advanced materials, manufacturing and specialised engineering.
The growing international interest is already creating new possibilities. Following Balkan Shield, representatives of the Turkish technology company HAVELSAN held discussions involving CNT and potential future cooperation.
Through its cooperation with CNT, KAIP is positioned to help connect this growing technological potential with investors and international partners, strengthening Sarajevo Canton’s profile as a destination for innovation, technology and high-value investment.
The first Bosnian drone is therefore more than a technological achievement. It is a powerful signal that Sarajevo Canton has the knowledge, people and institutions capable of creating advanced products — and an increasingly attractive environment for investors looking for new opportunities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
