The EU Defence Sector’s Growing Talent Crisis: Challenges and Opportunities
The European Union (EU) defence sector is facing an unprecedented talent crisis, with industry leaders raising alarms about the difficulty in finding workers with the skills needed to meet current and future demands. Companies like Leonardo, a major aerospace, defence, and security firm, are experiencing some of the most intense hiring challenges in their history. This talent shortage is not unique to individual companies but is a shared concern across the entire European defence industry. As geopolitical tensions rise and technological advancements accelerate, the sector is struggling to attract and retain skilled professionals capable of driving innovation and production.
Why Is the EU Defence Sector Struggling to Find Skilled Workers?
The talent gap in Europe’s defence sector is the result of multiple interconnected factors. First and foremost, the rapid integration of digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and quantum computing, has created a high demand for specialised skill sets that are currently in short supply. Defence companies are now competing directly with tech giants like Google and Amazon for top talent, making it harder to attract skilled professionals to the sector. Additionally, geopolitical considerations limit recruitment from countries outside of political and strategic alliances, further constraining the talent pool.
Another significant factor is the historical underinvestment in defence programmes, which has made the sector less attractive to young professionals and academia. For decades, Europe relied on the "peace dividend," reducing defence spending and neglecting the long-term development of its defence industrial base. The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine has highlighted the urgency of rebuilding European defence capabilities, but the industry is now playing catch-up to address the skills gap.
What Skills and Profiles Are in High Demand?
The EU defence sector is looking for a diverse range of skilled professionals to meet the demands of modern defence production and innovation. Digital skills, including expertise in AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity, are increasingly critical as the industry embraces advanced technologies. Engineers specialising in autonomy, data processing, and software development are also in high demand. Additionally, traditional skills such as welding, sheet metal fabrication, and assembly remain essential for manufacturing military hardware.
Project managers with the ability to understand complex technical requirements and oversee large-scale projects are another key area of need. As the defence sector becomes more technologically advanced, the industry is also seeking professionals who can bridge the gap between technical expertise and strategic planning. However, the current labour market is tense, and rapidly hiring specialised personnel in such a competitive environment remains a significant challenge.
Addressing the Talent Gap: Strategies and Initiatives
To tackle the talent crisis, defence companies are exploring a variety of strategies to attract and retain skilled workers. Many firms are investing in internal talent development programmes, including mentorship initiatives, hands-on training, and continuous learning opportunities for junior professionals. For example, companies like Indra, a Spanish IT and defence systems company, are recruiting talent from other EU countries and establishing local teams in key regions to support international projects.
Collaboration between industry, academia, and government is also seen as crucial to addressing the skills gap. Initiatives such as the Assets+ programme, a European alliance focused on developing strategic skills in emerging defence technologies, are underway to foster innovation and talent development. These efforts aim to create a more sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals capable of meeting the sector’s evolving needs.
The Future of the EU Defence Sector: Growth and Challenges
The EU defence industry is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, with estimates suggesting that it will generate over 581,000 jobs and €158.8 billion in turnover by 2023. As Europe rearms itself to ensure peace and security in an increasingly multipolar world, the demand for skilled workers will only intensify. However, the industry’s ability to meet this demand depends on its capacity to address the current talent crisis and create a more attractive and sustainable career path for young professionals.
The EU’s first-ever defence industrial strategy, launched in 2024, aims to boost military production and address the sector’s labour and skills shortages. A key component of this strategy is the call for long-term guarantees on orders and investments, which would provide defence companies with the stability needed to recruit and train staff effectively. Additionally, fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and government will be essential to develop the next generation of defence capabilities and ensure Europe’s readiness for future challenges.
Conclusion: Building a Resilient Defence Workforce for the Future
The talent crisis in the EU defence sector is a complex issue with far-reaching implications for Europe’s security and competitiveness. While the industry has made progress in identifying the skills and profiles needed to address the gap, much work remains to be done. Companies are investing in talent development and recruitment strategies, while the EU is taking steps to create a more cohesive defence industrial policy. However, the scale of the challenge requires a broader and more assertive approach, with governments, academia, and industry working together to build a resilient and highly skilled defence workforce.
The brutal reality is that Europe’s defence sector is not yet ready for the challenges of a rapidly changing world. To change this, the EU must prioritise long-term investment in defence programmes, foster innovation, and create a more attractive career path for skilled professionals. Only by addressing the talent crisis head-on can Europe ensure its ability to protect its values, democracy, and security in the years to come.
