• British startup Skycutter in the East Midlands is designing weapons for Ukraine, including interceptor drones made with 3D printing.
  • European militaries are rushing to invest billions in weaponry, especially drones, driven by Trump’s wavering on NATO and the war in Ukraine.
  • The EU has pledged €800 billion on defense over four years, and the UK has also increased spending.
  • Money is flowing into domestic companies like Tekever, Helsing, Quantum Systems, and Stark Defence, which are becoming unicorns.
  • The focus is on ‘defense sovereignty’ – the ability to make and use weapons without relying on the US.
  • British General Sir Roly Walker wants 40% of equipment to be ‘consumable’ (single-use) and 40% ‘attritable’ (expendable).
  • Manufacturers face challenges in diversifying supply chains, especially dependence on China.

Sources & Links