Electronics are the foundation of modern industry, enabling everything from consumer goods to advanced defence systems. Though often hidden from view, these technologies depend on a complex and interdependent manufacturing ecosystem. The resilience of this ecosystem is crucial—especially in an era of geopolitical uncertainty, where disruptions to supply chains can have profound economic and security consequences.

For Europe, maintaining a robust electronics industrial base is a strategic imperative. Over the years, critical segments of the European electronics value chain have lost ground, while other regions have strengthened their market positions. This erosion poses a direct challenge to Europe’s ability to maintain technological leadership, strategic autonomy, and regional security.

Recognizing this urgency, IPC has partnered with DECISION Études & Conseil on a series of reports assessing the state of the European electronics manufacturing sector.

This report takes a focused look at the role of electronics manufacturing in European defence. The ability to produce trusted, secure, and advanced electronics is essential to Europe’s defence capabilities and, by extension, to its sovereignty and security. As the European Union moves forward in shaping the future of European defence, integrating electronics into key strategic initiatives must be a priority.