The war in Ukraine has ignited a surge in European defence innovation, with military veterans playing a pivotal role in reshaping the continent’s defence technology sector. Their firsthand battlefield experience is proving invaluable in developing solutions that meet real operational needs, from anti-drone systems to AI-powered battle-planning software.
Matt Kuppers, a former German army officer and co-founder of venture capital firm Defence Invest, exemplifies this trend. While evaluating an Austrian startup’s anti-drone weapon, Kuppers identified a critical flaw: the heated gun barrel lost accuracy after prolonged firing—a detail the civilian founders had overlooked. “This is something an experienced infantry soldier would instinctively account for by adjusting their aim,” Kuppers said. His insight underscores how veterans bring an irreplaceable perspective to defence technology development.
A Reuters analysis reveals that veterans lead a quarter of Europe’s 80-plus defence startups, while the CEOs of the region’s top 10 defence contractors tend to have no military background. The war in Ukraine and NATO’s increased spending have driven record investment in the sector, with venture capital funding hitting $5.2 billion in 2024—over 500% higher than pre-war levels, according to NATO Innovation Fund and Dealroom data.
The urgency of Ukraine’s defence needs has compressed development timelines from years to weeks or months. Veteran-led startups are uniquely positioned to refine technologies based on frontline experience. “You can’t solve a problem you don’t know—one you’ve never felt yourself,” said Marc Wietfeld, a former German officer who founded unmanned ground vehicle maker ARX Robotics.
Rising NATO defence budgets are creating further opportunities for soldier-entrepreneurs. Emmanuel Jacob, president of the European Organisation of Military Associations and Trade Unions, noted that long-serving soldiers are joining defence startups at the fastest pace he has seen in his 40-year career. Veterans also bring critical knowledge of military procurement, a valuable asset for startups navigating complex defence contracts.
Three key factors are driving this boom: Ukraine’s creation of new defence markets, record venture capital investment, and AI tools that accelerate product development. Florian Seibel, a former German helicopter pilot, co-founded drone maker Quantum Systems, now valued at $1 billion, and launched Stark, another drone company, last year. Other veteran-led companies include Arondite, founded by a British Army officer making battle-planning software, and BlinkTroll, run by former Norwegian soldiers producing military training equipment.
The low barrier to entry for drone technology has enabled rapid startup formation. Francisco Serra-Martins, an ex-Australian Army combat engineer who co-founded Ukraine-based Terminal Autonomy in 2022, said veterans bring an edge beyond development. “Veterans see firsthand what solutions are missing on the battlefield, and … have a deep understanding of what works, and what is hype and marketing,” he told Reuters.
A McKinsey analysis shows European defence tech startup investment skyrocketed over 500% between 2021-2024 compared to 2018-2020, with military veterans playing key roles as founders, advisors, and investors. Jan-Erik Saarinen, founder of Double Tap investments and former Finnish soldier, emphasised the importance of having combat veterans in defence technology companies. “Soldiers on the front line don’t have time to figure out technology while being shot at,” he said.
The expertise gap becomes critical when lives depend on the technology. Viktoriia Honcharuk, a Ukrainian soldier with the 3rd Assault Brigade, described how one unmanned vehicle looked great on paper but failed at the front lines, wasting 300,000 euros. “I wish more companies were founded by military people,” she said.
As Europe’s defence sector continues to evolve, the integration of veteran expertise is likely to accelerate innovation and ensure that new technologies are battle-tested and operationally relevant. This trend not only strengthens European defence capabilities but also highlights the unique value that military experience brings to the table.