European defense tech on track for record $10.5B in venture funding

European defense tech startups are set to raise $10.5 billion in venture capital by the end of 2026, nearly four times the $2.6 billion raised in all of 2025, per a Dealroom and Resilience Media report. Defense now accounts for 11.1% of European VC investment, up from 4% a year ago, with Munich-based Helsing ($1.8B Series E at an $18B valuation) and Quantum Systems ($1.2B Series D at $8B) leading the boom.

• 2026 forecast of $10.5B versus $2.6B raised in all of 2025
• Defense share of European VC rose from 4% to 11.1% in a year
• Helsing raised a $1.8B Series E at an $18B valuation
• Quantum Systems closed a $1.2B Series D at an $8B valuation