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EUROPE’S SECURITY AWAKENING

The defence industry is undergoing its most profound transformation in decades

The European Defence industry stands at a historic turning point. Geopolitical tensions, from the Russian war on Ukraine to shifting US policies and renewed conflicts in the Middle East, have accelerated the demand for stronger security and conventional deterrence. As NATO increases its capability requirements, European nations are under pressure to rearm and modernise their defence infrastructure.

Despite this unprecedented momentum, bureaucracy and slow decision-making continue to delay critical procurement and investment processes, particularly in Germany. Many OEMs and suppliers face ramp-up challenges, even as record-level growth looms on the horizon. The sector is entering its strongest expansion phase in over 30 years, driven primarily by land systems, missile technologies, and advanced capabilities such as C4ISR, unmanned, and autonomous systems. To capture this growth, the industry must overcome structural inefficiencies and build resilient, scalable supply chains ready to deliver.

More than 25 years of experience

We combine over 25 years of experience with deep industry expertise to deliver measurable results for our Defence clients.
350+
projects delivered
26+
experts on the team
200+
clients trusted our advice

Tracking Trends in the Defence Industry

H&Z Industrial Goods Pulse Check
H&Z Management Consulting regularly conducts surveys and analyses on the situation and competitiveness of various industries. The Defence Pulse Check was launched in Q1/2025 as a quarterly survey. It enables core topics and trends in the industry to be identified and tracked over time. The survey has since gained strong traction within the Defence community, attracting broad participation from senior leaders across the DACH region, including CEOs, managing directors, business unit heads, and other key decision-makers.
See latest Defence Trends

SUCCESS STORIES

How We Help Defence Leaders Succeed

Composite image combining a large commercial airplane flying among clouds and a close-up of a microchip, illustrating the connection between aerospace technology and advanced electronics in consulting success stories.
Success Story
 

Kappa Optronics transformed its order management with H&Z, achieving shorter lead times, improved transparency, and higher customer satisfaction.

Success Story
 

Learn how a leading ammunition manufacturer decreased inventory levels significantly and streamlined operations for better cash management.

Success Story
 

H&Z redefined a space industry leader’s operations, enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and optimizing their sales strategy for sustained growth in a competitive landscape.

Success Story
 

H&Z led a successful engineering reorganization, fostering collaboration and creating a new structure that improved efficiency and supported major defense projects.

Modern luxury car driving along a winding alpine road with green hills and mountains in the background, symbolizing how leading automotive suppliers boost strategy and performance in consulting projects.
Success Story
 

Discover how the automotive sector enhances performance and agility through the effective implementation of the OKR methodology for strategic growth.

Our Latest Insights on Defence

Explore fresh perspectives, trends, and strategies shaping the Defence sector today
United States and European Union flags displayed on a table against military vehicles, symbolizing defense procurement consulting and international negotiations
Article
01.08.2025

This agreement enhances collaboration between Europe and the US, enabling faster access to critical defence technologies and joint ventures.

Pulse Check
21.07.2025

As geopolitical tensions escalate and Defence strategies shift, how are industry leaders responding? Our new H&Z Defence Pulse Check Q2 reveals clear signals: Decision-makers across Europe are preparing for long-term transformation and see growth...

Illustration of two hands pulling a rope in a tug-of-war with the US and China flags over a map, symbolizing the global competition for rare earth metals – HZ Group consulting geopolitics and supply chains
Article
25.06.2025

With China dominating rare earth processing, the urgency to diversify supply chains has never been greater for industries reliant on these critical materials.

Get in Touch with Our Defence Expert

For tailored advice and insights on the Defence industry, our expert is available to support you with strategic and operational guidance. You can set up a consultation or contact our expert via email or LinkedIn. We look forward to connecting with you.

Professional portrait of Sven Steinert, a young consultant wearing a maroon sweater and white shirt with arms crossed, representing dynamic leadership in procurement consulting.

Sven Steinert

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