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Transformative Trends in European Defence at Eurosatory 2026

As the Eurosatory 2026 exhibition kicks off, the focus is on not just showcasing military technology but on the evolving landscape of defence and security in Europe. Sopra Steria, a leading tech company, has unveiled ten trends that are set to redefine how European nations approach defence in a rapidly changing geopolitical climate.

The Shift in Strategic Values

In today’s 'war of saturation', it’s become abundantly clear that having the most expensive weaponry does not guarantee superiority. Instead, rapid decision-making and the intelligent use of data prove to be key in overcoming adversaries. Sopra Steria emphasizes that strategic autonomy is not a distant goal, but an urgent need for Europe's military forces, agencies, and industries.

Recent conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, illustrate this shift starkly. Drones costing a fraction of the amount of traditional military equipment are significantly damaging expensive assets. Notably, Sopra Steria reports that drone attacks are responsible for 70-80% of the losses incurred by Ukraine, demanding a reevaluation of how defence systems are built and utilized.

The firm further notes the staggering global cost of disinformation at $417 billion, which is equivalent to about 15% of French GDP, thus highlighting the urgent need for agile information operations to counteract these threats.

Ten Pivotal Trends in Defence Strategy of Europe

Sopra Steria’s trend book categorizes the top ten trends into three principal imperatives:

1. Monitor and Absorb Saturation

• - Win the War Before It Starts: Engaging proactively in the information domain is essential for preemptive success.
• - Enhance Air Defence: Developing robust counter-drone capabilities is crucial in defending against aerial threats.
• - Establish Space Defence: A dedicated European space defence capability is vital for securing satellite-based systems.

2. Act Faster Than the Adversary

• - Secure Defence AI: Developing sovereign, secure artificial intelligence tailored for defence operations will enhance automated decision-making.
• - Data Sharing and Utilization: Efficiently sharing and exploiting data during operations is necessary for tactical advantage.
• - Quantum Technology: Transitioning from theoretical exploration to practical application will revolutionize military capabilities.

3. Build and Regenerate Long-Term

• - Restore Strategic Depth: Long-term planning and capacity-building are critical to ensure sustained autonomy and resilience.
• - Integrate Drones Out at Scale: Harnessing drone technology in conjunction with traditional forces represents the future of combat flexibility.
• - Innovate Defence Models: Rethinking defence innovation models to adapt to contemporary challenges will be essential moving forward.

The Need for Tempo

The real question now is: how can European nations maintain the advantage? Sopra Steria suggests that success increasingly depends on the connectedness of systems, players, and data, rather than a singular focus on technology. As these trends gain traction, the nations that integrate them most effectively will lead the charge in shaping the future of defence.

This assessment provides a critical lens on how Europe must navigate the interplay of technology and strategy in a time of unprecedented change. The urgency to adapt and act quickly is evident in the insights shared by Sopra Steria, marking a paradigm shift for agencies and industries alike in Europe's defence ecosystem.