Europe is facing its most serious security crisis since the end of the Cold War.

Russia’s war in Ukraine has exposed a hard truth: Europe does not have a defence industry capable of sustaining a high-intensity conflict, replenishing stockpiles, or rapidly scaling production in a crisis.

Years of underinvestment, fragmented procurement, and offshoring of critical production have left Europe dangerously dependent on external suppliers for ammunition, weapons systems, components, and raw materials. Rearmament is no longer just about buying equipment — it is about rebuilding industrial capacity.

This lecture examines why Europe’s defence-industrial base is no longer fit for purpose, and what must change if Europe is to deter future aggression and defend itself without relying primarily on the United States.

Drawing on geopolitics, defence economics, and operational realities, the presentation shows how industrial policy, security policy, and strategic autonomy are now inseparable.

Key themes include:

• Why Europe cannot sustain a prolonged high-intensity war today

• The collapse of surge capacity in European arms production

• Fragmented national procurement and its strategic consequences

• Dependence on non-European suppliers for critical components and munitions

• The role of production chains, logistics, and stockpiles in modern warfare

• What an effective European rearmament strategy actually requires

• How to mobilize capital, industry, and political will at scale

• The trade-offs between national sovereignty, EU coordination, and market efficiency

The lecture combines:

• Strategic analysis

• Real-world defence and security experience

• Policy-relevant and industry-relevant recommendations

and is designed to challenge prevailing assumptions about defence spending, procurement, and Europe’s ability to fight and sustain a major war.

Formats:

• Public lecture or conference keynote

• Closed briefing for organizations, institutions, or leadership teams

• Tailored presentation for policymakers, defence companies, investors, or industrial stakeholders

Languages available: English, Danish, Swedish, and German
Pricing: Depends on the setting, number of participants, and whether it is a public lecture or a tailored presentation for a specific organization.