New study examines skills and perceptions in the EU defence industry

Today, DG DEFIS publishes a Study on the Attractiveness of the Defence Industry, commissioned to the consortium of Novaspace, RAND Europe and Verian. The study collected EU-wide data on how the defence industry is perceived by students, young professionals, and current or former employees, providing evidence to shape future policy and industry action.

Skills in the defence sector are also a priority in the White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030, which sets out the path for Europe to achieve defence readiness by 2030. Achieving this goal also requires that the defence industry can attract, develop, and retain talent, especially from the next generation.

The study involved over 2,600 students and young professionals and more than 700 current or former defence employees, who participated in two surveys and three workshops.

The findings show that many people want to contribute to Europe’s peace, security, and technological progress. Overall, attitudes toward the sector were mixed but generally positive: 58% of respondents found a career in defence attractive, yet only 6% of job-seekers intended to actively pursue it. Awareness of the sector was a decisive factor: among those familiar with defence, 79% considered it attractive and 64% would consider a career. These numbers dropped to 46% and 28% among those less familiar.

Concerns included limited knowledge of available roles, ethical considerations, and negative perceptions of hierarchical structures and work-life balance. Positive aspects highlighted by participants included career development opportunities, intellectual stimulation, and competitive pay.

The study also identified potential solutions. Participants called for better outreach, clear career paths, and flexible, transparent, purpose-driven workplaces. By improving communication, internal practices, and alignment with EU initiatives, the defence sector can build a workforce that is skilled, mobile, and resilient, which can support Europe’s long-term security and defence goals.