Euronews on “intense search” for skilled workers by defence industry

The European defence industry is experiencing unprecedented demand for skilled workers as it ramps up production and innovation to meet growing security challenges. In 2023, the sector generated €158.8 billion in turnover and supported approximately 581,000 jobs, but industry leaders warn that meeting the rising demand for talent is becoming increasingly difficult. 

In an article by Paula Soler for Euronews published on 26 February 2025, industry representatives highlighted the urgent need for skilled professionals to keep pace with the sector’s rapid growth. “This is certainly one of the periods impacted by the most intense search for new hires in Leonardo’s history, even more intense than in previous conflicts,” said Leonardo, the Italian aerospace, defence, and security company. 

Soaring demand for specialised talent

The defence industry’s demand for skilled workers is being driven by the rapid integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. Companies are competing not only with each other but also with big tech firms to attract the best talent. 

“As technology continues to evolve, the demand for new skill sets will inevitably increase, and some of these competencies may currently be scarce in the market,” said a spokesperson for Indra, a Spanish IT and defence systems company. Roles such as autonomy engineers, cybersecurity experts, data processing engineers, and software designers are among the most sought-after, according to the European Defence Agency (EDA). 

Traditional sectors of the industry, including welding, sheet metal fabrication, and project management, are also facing high demand for skilled personnel. 

Challenges in meeting demand

While demand for talent is surging, the industry is struggling to find workers with the right skills. “Rapidly hiring a large number of specialised personnel is a significant challenge, especially in an already tense labour market,” said a spokesperson for ASD.

Geopolitical factors also complicate recruitment efforts. Industry representatives note that it is “impossible” for large companies to recruit from countries outside political and strategic alliances, even if those nations have a strong skills base.

Efforts to bridge the gap

To address the talent shortage, companies are investing heavily in internal talent development, mentorship programmes, and hands-on training for junior professionals. Indra, for example, is exploring innovative recruitment strategies, including establishing local teams in regions with the necessary competencies. 

The European Union is also taking steps to support the industry. Its first-ever defence industrial strategy, launched in 2024, aims to boost military production and address labour shortages. And efforts are being made to promote collaboration between industry, academia, and government to address skills gaps and develop key defence capabilities. Initiatives like Assets+, an alliance for strategic skills in emerging defence technologies, are already underway. 

As the European defence industry continues to expand in response to global security challenges, the demand for skilled workers shows no signs of slowing down. “Efforts are underway – including by industry – to address the skills issue,” the ASD spokesperson said. “However, the scale of the challenge requires a broader and more assertive approach, with governments and academia playing a key role.”