What Happened
Private Capital Enters European Defense Market Amid Rising Tensions
As geopolitical tensions rise, European governments are increasing defense spending and opening up to private capital investment. The UK has committed to spending £298bn on defense over four years, while the EU’s ReArm Europe plan aims to mobilize up to €800bn. This shift may create new opportunities for infrastructure investors, particularly in areas such as defense estate and core support infrastructure. According to Freshfields, the changing security landscape is prompting a reassessment of defense spending and investment, with private equity firms launching defense funds and platforms in 2026.