European defense startups have reportedly raised a record $7.4 billion so far in 2026

Dealroom said on October 5 that European defense startups had raised a record $7.4 billion so far in 2026. In its State of Defence Tech 2026 report with ResilienceDesk, it projected funding would grow more than threefold this year. Dealroom also said defense accounts for over 11% of European VC and US investors provide 47% of European defense funding—more than European investors for the first time.