The war in Ukraine has sparked a surge in defence technology innovation across Europe, with military veterans playing a pivotal role in shaping the sector. Their battlefield experience is proving invaluable in developing solutions that address real-world challenges, from drone warfare to AI-powered battle planning.
When Matt Kuppers, a former German army officer and co-founder of venture capital firm Defence Invest, evaluated an Austrian startup’s anti-drone system, he identified a critical flaw the civilian founders had overlooked: the heated gun barrel lost accuracy after prolonged firing. This insight, drawn from Kuppers’ infantry experience, highlights how veterans are bringing unique perspectives 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 spending push have driven defence investment to record levels, with venture capital investment hitting $5.2 billion in 2024—over 500% higher than pre-war levels.
Veterans are not only founding startups but also serving as advisors and investors, bringing critical military procurement knowledge and battlefield-tested solutions to the table. Marc Wietfeld, a former German officer who founded unmanned ground vehicle maker ARX Robotics, emphasised the importance of firsthand experience: “You can’t solve a problem you don’t know—one you’ve never felt yourself.”
The low barrier to entry for drone technology has enabled rapid startup formation, with companies like Quantum Systems and Stark, founded by former German helicopter pilot Florian Seibel, leading the charge. Other veteran-led ventures include Arondite, a battle-planning software company founded by a British Army officer, and BlinkTroll, a military training equipment firm run by former Norwegian soldiers.
The expertise gap is particularly critical when lives depend on the technology. Viktoriia Honcharuk, a Ukrainian soldier with the 3rd Assault Brigade, described how an unmanned vehicle that looked promising on paper failed at the front lines, wasting 300,000 euros. “I wish more companies were founded by military people,” she said.
As Europe’s defence technology sector continues to evolve, the role of veterans will be crucial in ensuring that innovations are practical, effective, and battle-tested. Their unique insights and experiences are not only driving investment but also shaping the future of military technology.