Defense in transition
Navigating legal change in the defense sector (2026 edition)
Europe’s defense sector has entered a new era—one defined by greater strategic autonomy, accelerated investment, and evolving regulatory frameworks. Governments are committing unprecedented capital, reshaping procurement models, and driving industrial depth after decades of underinvestment. For defense industry players – from prime contractors and OEMs to start-ups, tech providers, and private capital investors – this means opportunity and complexity in equal measure.
Our report highlights the most important legislative developments across key jurisdictions, such as the EU, Germany, France, Italy and the UK, and offers an overview of some of the forces driving change:
- Procurement and supply chain shifts
- Surging private investment in defense and dual-use technologies
- Tighter FDI screening with implications for deal timing and ownership
- Expanding national and EU-level funding and subsidy programs
Drawing on Freshfields’ global platform and cross-practice insight, the report distils a complex landscape into a clear snapshot of where risk and opportunity lie. It is designed to help businesses active in the defense industry anticipate change, benchmark against international developments, and prepare for what lies ahead.
