The 8th Defence Meetup in Estonia hosted over 500 guests including 200 founders and 125 investors from 27 countries, making it the largest defence meetup in Europe. Key insights came from the 3rd Assault Brigade Air Defence Intelligence Chief of Ukraine, who emphasized that warfare from 2022 to 2025 has evolved into a predominantly technological battle dominated by technical personnel, especially drone operators and mechanics. European countries are projected to need to recruit over 100,000 drone operators/mechanics in the next 6 to 24 months. There is a critical demand for interceptors against threats such as Shahed drones, intelligence drones, and FPVs, with laser interceptors in development but 6 to 12 months away from combat readiness. Air defence is an urgent priority for all countries, given the looming threat of FPV drones potentially used by terrorists. Additionally, new capital influx into the defence sector is significant, with recent closures of at least three new Defence VC funds and ongoing fundraising efforts, including one aiming to raise $400 million. The sector is positioned for sustained growth over the next decade.

The 8th Defence Meetup in Estonia hosted over 500 guests including 200 founders and 125 investors from 27 countries, making it the largest defence meetup in Europe. Key insights came from the 3rd Assault Brigade Air Defence Intelligence Chief of Ukraine, who emphasized that warfare from 2022 to 2025 has evolved into a predominantly technological battle dominated by technical personnel, especially drone operators and mechanics. European countries are projected to need to recruit over 100,000 drone operators/mechanics in the next 6 to 24 months. There is a critical demand for interceptors against threats such as Shahed drones, intelligence drones, and FPVs, with laser interceptors in development but 6 to 12 months away from combat readiness. Air defence is an urgent priority for all countries, given the looming threat of FPV drones potentially used by terrorists. Additionally, new capital influx into the defence sector is significant, with recent closures of at least three new Defence VC funds and ongoing fundraising efforts, including one aiming to raise $400 million. The sector is positioned for sustained growth over the next decade.