The defence industry: same as it ever was?
Team Tempest at DSEI. The defence industry continues to implement platform-centric programmes, but these are increasingly fused with autonomy, data and AI. (Photo: Clarion)
Earlier this year at DSEI, Shephard sat down with defence industry observers for an overview of the last twenty years in the defence industry.
As COVID-19 spread in 2020 and national lockdowns bludgeoned the global economy, many feared the worst for state finances. Jittery economists expected treasuries to react in a manner similar to the financial meltdown of 2008-2009, by slashing government budgets and implementing a raft of austerity measures.
Quite the opposite transpired. As zealous central banks hoovered up bonds and flooded markets with liquidity, governments loosened their spending taps. While cuts fell hard on defence budgets from 2009 to 2014, they gingerly benefited from government windfalls this time around.
Such is the largesse that even traditional laggards like Germany have committed to
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)]()
Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Shephard's Alix Valenti spoke to Project Kuiper's Rich Pang about the importance of enabling seamless communication between allied forces such as NATO members in challenging operational environments.
-
![DSEI 2025: Raytheon UK CEO highlights RTX skills, innovation and UK footprint]()
DSEI 2025: Raytheon UK CEO highlights RTX skills, innovation and UK footprint
At DSEI 2025, James Gray, Managing Director and CEO of Raytheon UK (part of RTX), outlines the company’s century-long presence in the UK and its evolving role across defence, aerospace, cyber, and training domains.
-
![Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft]()
Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft
The procurement and acceleration production plans – some of which still await approval – across the air and land domains will aim to strengthen the operational needs of the Israel Defense Forces.
