As geopolitical tensions continue to reshape the global order, European nations are ramping up defense spending at a pace unseen in decades. In 2024, the region’s defense turnover reached over €290 billion—a 10.1% increase year-on-year. Through substantial investments in land systems, military aviation, cybersecurity, and naval forces, Europe has signaled a clear ambition to play a more autonomous role in global security.

Yet, one critical issue threatens to undermine this momentum: the growing scarcity of skilled talent.

Defense investments outpace workforce supply

The defense and aerospace industry already supports over 1 million direct jobs in Europe and nearly 4 million when including indirect employment—jobs created in the wider ecosystem of suppliers, contractors, and service prov

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