9.10.2025
The defence sector is experiencing a significant surge, not just in job postings, but in genuine interest from professionals seeking work with a purpose. Recent global events, particularly the war in Ukraine, have highlighted the importance and meaningfulness of the defence industry. The narrative around the defence industry is changing.
A study published by the European Commission in July 2025 sheds light on the attractiveness of the European defence industry among those working in the sector, students and young experts in Europe. The findings are promising. Nearly two-thirds of young people consider a career in the defence industry attractive. However, a key insight from the study is the lack of knowledge about specific defence companies and the opportunities they offer.
Nearly two-thirds of young people consider a career in the defence industry attractive.
– There is still work to be done in raising the industry’s profile. While the sector might suffer from a lack of public awareness, we’ve successfully recruited excellent professionals. This is largely due to our established reputation as an engaging and purpose-driven workplace. Still, we could do more to communicate about different opportunities and career options, says Leena Orpo, Patria’s Chief Human Resources Officer.
The knowledge gap is critical: the study revealed a significantly higher interest in applying for defence roles among respondents who were familiar with defence industry companies. This underscores a clear need to better inform young talent about the diverse jobs and career paths available within the sector. According to the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD), the European defence sector employed over half a million professionals in 2023, with a yearly growth rate of 8.9%, surpassing even the growth rate of the civil sector. If the aerospace sector is included, the employment effect rises to over one million.
Patria stands out by actively recruiting passionate technology experts, running successful training programs, and offering meaningful work with a strong work-life balance, leading to high employee satisfaction.
Passion for technology unites experts
The public perception is shifting. We are seeing clear signs of growing interest in the defence sector. For instance, in a national representative survey, the German defence company Vincorion found out that nearly 40% of the population now recognise the sector’s significant contribution to national and European security, with almost 30% citing exciting technologies and projects as compelling reasons to consider a career in the industry.
Orpo elaborates on Patria’s proactive approach to talent acquisition and employee satisfaction:
– Patria works relentlessly to be acknowledged as viable career choice among those outside the industry as well. A good example of this is our training partnership, where we built an intensive ILS (Integrated Logistics Support) training package together.
Through the training, we have been able to recruit motivated and apt experts with an engineering background or a passion for technology. Overall, we have recruited 300 professionals so far this year and we expect to employ even more. According to our most recent employee survey, our employees find their work meaningful and appreciate the possibility for a good work-life balance, Orpo says.
Overall, we have recruited 300 professionals so far this year and we expect to employ even more.
According to the European Commission study, 84% of respondents working in the defence industry reported that they were satisfied with their current position. The main reasons for satisfaction were versatile and challenging tasks, good work-life balance and good pay. Interestingly, while work-life balance was also a key factor for young people, only 65% believed it was genuinely achievable within the defence industry.
This highlights a clear disconnect between the industry and European students and young professionals. In this regard, Patria is setting a strong example for its peers.
Patria’s appeal rises among tech and IT students, according to the Universum’s student survey
– We were delighted to see students showing interest towards Patria and the defence sector in Universum’s recent survey on The Most Attractive Employers in Finland. Patria was ranked third among engineering professionals as the most attractive employer in Finland, rising in the statistics from ninth place the previous year, Orpo notes.
– Among IT professionals as well, Patria improved its rating from last year. In this professional group, Patria was the 9th most attractive employer in Finland, compared to 17th place in 2024, she continues.
These findings are based on Universum’s annual student survey, which gathered insights from over 10,000 Finnish university students on their employer preferences and career goals.
At Patria, you make the difference
Patria believes in work that matters. Our commitment to ensuring that every role is meaningful is reflected in our people’s high satisfaction with both their work and our team, and excellent work-life balance, as confirmed by the company’s internal studies.
Patria offers a unique opportunity to familiarize yourself with future technologies in a professional environment.
For engineering and IT students, as well as seasoned professionals, Patria offers opportunities to engage with the technologies of tomorrow, from our involvement in the F-35 programme and cybersecurity initiatives to leading the charge in drone development.
Link to Vincorion survey results
Link to employment figures:
Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe – Facts and Figures 2024
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