Aerospace & Defence

Goals to achieve

Both the aerospace and defence industries in Europe face significant challenges driven by economic pressures, evolving policies and regulations, and the ambitious environmental targets set by the European Green Deal. Rapid technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and autonomous systems, necessitate swift action and implementation to maintain leadership, ensure resilient supply chains, and foster sustainable economic growth across both sectors.

Aerospace

The aerospace industry in Europe is at a transformative juncture, driven by the dual imperatives of innovation and sustainability. Supporting the goals of the European Green Deal, which aims to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, the aeronautics sector faces the challenge of significantly reducing its environmental footprint while continuing to innovate and grow.
A primary need for the aeronautics industry is to align with the Green Deal’s ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The industry must accelerate the adoption of alternative fuels such as SAF or liquid hydrogen, and invest in research to improve their efficiency and availability. In parallel, there is a pressing need to develop and integrate new propulsion technologies, such as electric and hybrid-electric systems, to further reduce emissions. Technical boundaries need to be pushed to create more efficient, lighter, and quieter aircraft. Moreover, the integration of cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing techniques is critical for maintaining Europe’s competitive edge in the global aeronautics market.
Finally, the transition to greener aviation requires substantial investments in infrastructure. Airports and air traffic management systems must be upgraded to accommodate new aircraft technologies and fuels.

Defence

Similarly, the European defence industry stands at a pivotal crossroads. Faced with an increasingly volatile global landscape, Europe’s defence capabilities must evolve to address emerging threats while enhancing security, fostering innovation, and ensuring strategic autonomy. In parallel, traditional barriers need to be overcome, and a unified defence strategy must be fostered as this is vital for the industry’s strength.

Continuous investment in research and development is essential to stay ahead of rapid technological advancements. However, these efforts are often constrained by financial limitations, creating a need for a delicate balance between innovation and cost management.

Resilient and secure pan-European supply chains must be established to reduce dependency on non-EU countries and safeguard Europe’s autonomy. This cooperation must span the entire supply chain, from universities to large industries, enabling seamless innovation and integration.

Moreover, the defence industry must also align with the environmental goals set by the European Green Deal. Adapting to these sustainability targets while continuing to meet evolving security demands presents a significant challenge, but one that cannot be overlooked if Europe is to remain at the forefront of both defence and environmental leadership.