European defence spending is rising fast – and smart investors are already paying attention
Something important just happened in Brussels. NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska met with EU Commissioner Andrius Kubilius for a serious discussion. They talked about budgets, drones, and how Europe needs to defend itself better.
You might wonder: what does this mean for me? Quite a lot. These talks will lead to billions flowing into tech companies. And smart investors are watching closely.
Why this matters for you as an investor
Shekerinska made it crystal clear: Europe must invest more in defence. Think AI-powered drones, secure cloud services, even soldier health tech. And yes, that means big opportunities for companies – and for you.
1. Smart drones and AI are set to surge
Governments want systems that can fly, observe, and react on their own. Autonomous drones, smart surveillance, self-driving military vehicles – this is no longer science fiction.
Stocks to watch:
- Kratos Defense (KTOS) – Builds intelligent drones. A small cap with big growth potential.
- AeroVironment (AVAV) – Leader in small tactical drones. Strong demand from Europe and Ukraine.
- Anduril (private) – AI-first defence company. Strong in surveillance. IPO expected soon.
2. Defence needs secure communication in the cloud
NATO and the EU want better cooperation. That requires fast, secure cloud infrastructure. Think encrypted storage, real-time analytics, and cyber protection.
Stocks to watch:
- Palantir (PLTR) – Deeply involved in NATO operations. High recurring revenues.
- Elastic (ESTC) – Dutch roots, strong in data search. Well suited for European defence projects.
- Snowflake (SNOW) – Real-time cloud data platform. Key for mission-critical decisions.
3. Security also matters at home
It’s not just soldiers who need protection. You do too. More tech companies now build secure devices, encrypted apps, and wearables focused on safety.
Stocks to watch:
- CrowdStrike (CRWD) – Protects personal devices and government networks.
- Fortinet (FTNT) – Strong presence in Europe, supplies governments.
- Thales Group (EPA: HO) – French giant in defence and cybersecurity. Deeply embedded in NATO and EU programmes.
4. Biotech for soldiers? Sounds odd, but it’s smart
Defence also includes mental health, trauma recovery, and protection against chemical threats. Biotech firms with military ties could become surprise winners.
Watch companies working on:
- PTSD treatments
- Rapid diagnostics
- Bio-defence solutions
What you can do now
- Focus on companies developing AI, drones, or cloud solutions for defence.
- Keep an eye on the White Paper for European Defence. It will trigger specific funding rounds.
- Follow biotech firms with military applications – from ketamine for PTSD to new injectables.
And most importantly: it’s not just about weapons. It’s about tech, security, and data. That’s where growth is happening.