The global defence sector is witnessing its most intense recruitment drive since the end of the Cold War. An abrupt increase in orders and rising military expenditures have necessitated a record-breaking level of hiring across the industry. Major arms manufacturers are on the hunt for tens of thousands of new employees to meet the soaring demand.
In the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and escalating geopolitical tensions, governments around the world have significantly boosted their military spending. This sudden spike in orders, following decades of relatively low volumes, has triggered a recruitment frenzy across the defence sector. According to a survey conducted by the Financial Times involving 20 major US and European aerospace and defence companies, these firms are aiming to recruit tens of thousands of new employees this year alone.
The survey revealed that three of the largest US defence companies—Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and General Dynamics—are collectively looking to fill nearly 6,000 positions. In total, the 10 companies that participated in the survey are seeking around 37,000 new hires. If these targets are met, the sector’s workforce will see an increase of nearly 10%.
Jan Pie, the General Secretary of the European Aerospace and Defence Trade Association, remarked, “This is the busiest period for the defence sector since the end of the Cold War.” This statement underscores the scale of the current recruitment efforts and the unprecedented demand facing the industry.
The recruitment efforts are not just focused on traditional roles such as welders and mechanics. There is a high demand for engineers, software developers, and cybersecurity analysts. Antonio Liotti, the Human Resources Director at the Italian defence company Leonardo, noted that their current recruitment drive is even more intense than those during previous conflicts in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Leonardo plans to hire between 8,000 and 10,000 new employees, primarily industrial and software engineers, between 2025 and 2028. Similarly, Nammo, a Norwegian-Finnish defence company, has increased its workforce by 15% from 2,700 in 2021 to 3,100 in 2023. The company now aims to double its size by 2030, reflecting the broader trend of growth within the industry.
French defence giant Thales, known for producing the Starstreak missiles donated to Ukraine, has hired 9,000 people for its defence operations over the past three years. Meanwhile, European arms manufacturer MBDA plans to recruit over 2,600 employees this year, which represents 17% of its current workforce. This significant increase in personnel highlights the ongoing expansion and the critical need for skilled workers in the defence sector.
This unprecedented surge in recruitment within the defence sector raises important questions about Europe’s future. As military expenditures rise, there is a pressing need for the continent’s leaders and citizens to reflect on the broader implications. Will history repeat itself, leading to increased conflict and division? Or will the people of Europe recognise the detrimental effects of aggressive policies by powers such as the United States, France, United Kingdom, Russia, and China, and choose leaders who prioritise peace and global stability?
Looking forward, the right leadership could transform the geopolitical landscape. If Europe and Russia can move past current tensions, particularly the aggressive stance of Putin in Ukraine, there is potential for a stronger alliance that could enhance stability and security across the continent. However, this vision remains distant under the current circumstances.
The choices made today will shape the future of Europe. It is crucial for voters to support leaders who advocate for peace and cooperation rather than perpetuate cycles of conflict. As the defence industry continues to grow, so too must our commitment to fostering a peaceful and secure future for all.
