The military vehicles manufacturing industry in Europe is a robust sector, primarily focused on producing various kinds of tactical and armored vehicles that meet defense forces' needs. Companies range from established defense contractors like Airbus and Thales to innovative newcomers leveraging latest technologies. They not only manufacture vehicles but also integrate advanced systems like weaponry and communication technology. This industry is adapting to modern warfare demands, such as increased automation and cybersecurity features. The trend towards sustainability is also noteworthy, with a growing emphasis on eco-friendly practices in vehicle production.

The list includes a mix of corporate and private equity investors, located in key European hubs like London and Paris. Founded between 1905 and 2010, these investors vary widely in size, from Mid-cap firms like Safran with over 10,000 employees, to smaller players like Montagu. In 2024, this group engaged in notable transactions, with Baillie Gifford leading with 13 deals, indicating significant capital flowing into military vehicle innovations and technology-enhanced solutions.

Top 12 Military Vehicles Manufacturing Investors in Europe

1. Crowdcube

• Website: crowdcube.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process while promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce. In recent years, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to the military sector, notably with Advanced Blast & Ballistic Systems, which raised significant amounts through equity crowdfunding in 2021, 2022, and 2023. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's role in supporting companies that develop products and technologies applicable to military vehicles and defense systems. Additionally, Crowdcube has also engaged with Hybrid Air Vehicles, which, while not exclusively focused on military applications, operates in a sector that can intersect with defense technologies. This involvement underscores Crowdcube's capacity to connect investors with opportunities in the military vehicles manufacturing industry.

2. Safran

• Website: safran-group.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 9
• LinkedIn: safran

Safran is a Paris-based aerospace manufacturer and defense contractor specializing in aircraft equipment, propulsion systems, and defense technologies. Founded in 2005, the company has grown to employ over 10,000 people and serves a diverse clientele, including military organizations. Safran's strategic acquisitions, such as Zodiac Aerospace, Optics 1, and CILAS, highlight its focus on enhancing its defense capabilities. The acquisition of Preligens further emphasizes its commitment to advanced technologies in defense. These transactions position Safran as a key player in the defense sector, particularly in areas that support military vehicles and operations.

3. Baillie Gifford

• Website: bailliegifford.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1908
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 13
• LinkedIn: baillie-gifford

Baillie Gifford & Co is an investment management firm based in Edinburgh, Scotland, specializing in managing equity, fixed-income, and multi-asset portfolios. Founded in 1908, the firm serves professional investors, including institutions and high-net-worth individuals, with a focus on long-term growth opportunities. Baillie Gifford employs a research-driven approach to deliver sustainable returns for its clients. In recent years, they have made significant investments in companies relevant to the military and defense sector, such as Anduril Industries, which raised $1.5 billion in Series F funding, indicating a strong commitment to advancing defense technologies. Additionally, their co-lead investment in Echodyne, which raised $135 million to enhance production of radar systems for defense and security applications, further underscores their engagement in the military vehicles manufacturing context. Other investments, while not directly related to military vehicles, reflect a broader strategy of supporting innovative technologies that may intersect with defense applications.

4. Thales

• Website: thalesgroup.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Meudon, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1979
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: thales

Thales Group is a technology company founded in 1979, headquartered in Meudon, Île-De-France, France. With over 10,000 employees, Thales specializes in designing, developing, and manufacturing advanced electrical systems and devices for various sectors, including aerospace, defense, transportation, and security. The company serves a diverse clientele, including governments and commercial enterprises, providing solutions that enhance operational efficiency and safety. Notably, Thales has made several strategic acquisitions relevant to military vehicles manufacturing, such as the acquisition of XPI Simulation Ltd, which focuses on military land training and simulation technologies. Additionally, their acquisition of THALES RAYTHEON Systems and Cobham Aerospace Communications further demonstrates their commitment to enhancing military capabilities and technologies. These transactions highlight Thales's active role in the defense sector, particularly in areas that support military operations and vehicle manufacturing.

5. Omnes

• Website: omnescapital.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn: omnes-capital

Omnes Capital is a private equity firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in investment management with a focus on sectors such as renewable energy and sustainable cities. However, Omnes has also demonstrated a commitment to fostering growth in critical infrastructure projects, which includes investments in defense-related technologies. Notable transactions include their participation in funding rounds for Quantum Systems, a leader in AI-powered drone robotics, and Elistair, which develops products for the national security and defense sector. These investments highlight Omnes' engagement in areas that intersect with military applications, showcasing their versatility as an investor.

6. Airbus

• Website: airbus.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Blagnac, Occitanie, France
• Founded year: 2003
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn: airbusgroup

Airbus SE is a leading aerospace manufacturer based in Blagnac, Occitanie, France, specializing in the design and production of commercial aircraft, helicopters, defense systems, and space technology. Founded in 2003, Airbus serves a global customer base, including airlines, military organizations, and space agencies, providing innovative solutions that enhance connectivity, security, and exploration. In 2024, Airbus made a strategic acquisition of Aerovel, which includes the unmanned aerial system Flexrotor, aimed at enhancing their UAS portfolio to meet the growing demand for advanced military mission capabilities. Additionally, Airbus has a history of involvement in military transactions, such as the acquisition of AgustaWestland (Leonardo Helicopters), which supplied helicopters to the Angolan Air Force as part of a larger military equipment contract. These transactions highlight Airbus's commitment to advancing military technology and capabilities, making them a relevant investor in the military vehicles manufacturing sector.

7. EQT Group

• Website: eqtgroup.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 30
• LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent private equity investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. The firm specializes in a diverse range of investment strategies, including private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing varied investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has been involved in significant transactions relevant to the military context, such as the acquisition of EIS Aircraft Group in 2015, which provides products and services for civil and military aviation, indicating a strategic interest in sectors that support military operations. Other transactions, such as the acquisition of Rolls-Royce Power Systems, further demonstrate EQT's engagement in industries that may intersect with military applications, although these are not directly related to military vehicles manufacturing.

8. Saab

• Website: saab.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1937
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: saab

Saab AB, founded in 1937 and based in Stockholm, Sweden, is a prominent aerospace and defense company that provides advanced military defense systems and civil security solutions. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Saab operates in more than 30 countries, focusing on enhancing global security and defense capabilities. Notably, Saab has made significant acquisitions to bolster its military vehicle manufacturing capabilities, including the acquisition of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems in 2014, which enhances their naval capabilities, and Seaeye Holdings Ltd in 2007, which expands their underwater vehicle offerings. In 2023, Saab also acquired Blue Bear Systems Research to enhance its autonomous systems capabilities. Furthermore, Saab's investment in Helsing, a defense AI technology developer, underscores its commitment to advancing military applications through innovative technologies. Overall, Saab's strategic transactions align closely with military vehicles manufacturing, reinforcing its position in the defense sector.

9. Chemring Countermeasures

• Website: chemring.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Salisbury, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1905
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: chemring-countermeasures

Chemring Countermeasures, part of Chemring Group PLC, is a defense technology company based in Salisbury, England, specializing in advanced solutions for explosive ordnance disposal and counter-IED systems. Founded in 1905, the company has a long history of supporting armed forces and national security organizations with innovative products designed for challenging operational environments. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Chemring Detection Systems in 2011 for $90 million, which enhances their IED detection capabilities, and several other acquisitions such as Chemring Energetic Devices and Chemring Energetics UK, which further bolster their technological offerings. Their focus on high-quality manufacturing and technological development positions them as a relevant player in the military sector, particularly in areas that intersect with military vehicles.

10. Kongsberg Maritime

• Website: kongsberg.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Kongsberg, Buskerud, Norway
• Founded year: 1814
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: kongsberg-maritime

Kongsberg Maritime, part of Kongsberg Gruppen, is a corporate investor based in Kongsberg, Buskerud, Norway, with a history dating back to 1814. The company specializes in advanced technology solutions across various sectors, including defense, aerospace, and maritime. Kongsberg has made significant acquisitions to bolster its capabilities in these areas, such as the acquisition of Hydroid in 2007, which enhances their maritime technology offerings. More recently, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace acquired NanoAvionics in 2022, a move aimed at expanding their defense and aerospace capabilities, particularly in small satellite technology. This strategic focus on defense technologies positions Kongsberg Maritime as a key player in the military vehicles manufacturing sector, as they provide innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency and safety for military applications.

11. Montagu

• Website: montagu.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1968
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: montagu-private-equity-llp

Montagu Private Equity is a private equity firm based in London, UK, founded in 1968. The firm specializes in investment management and growth strategies, partnering with management teams across various sectors, including healthcare and financial services. Montagu focuses on mid-market companies and is committed to responsible investing. Notably, Montagu acquired Jane's, a military intelligence provider, for approximately $470 million in September 2019, highlighting their engagement in the defense sector. This acquisition allows Montagu to leverage Jane's expertise in military intelligence, which is relevant to military vehicles manufacturing. Other transactions, such as the acquisitions of Covidence and Survitec, while significant, do not directly pertain to military vehicles, indicating a broader investment strategy beyond the defense industry.

12. Ultra Electronics Group

• Website: ultra.group
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• LinkedIn: ultra-electronics

Ultra Electronics Group, based in London, England, is a corporate investor specializing in defense technology solutions for military and government organizations. Founded with a commitment to research and development, the company focuses on advanced technologies that address complex security challenges. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Ultra Electronics - 3 Phoenix in 2014, which likely enhances their capabilities in defense systems. Additionally, the acquisition of Ultra Electronics Ocean Systems in 2003 for $10 million further solidified their position in the defense sector. Other acquisitions, such as ProLogic and Scytale, indicate a strategic focus on integrating cyber-security and communication technologies, which are increasingly relevant in modern military operations. These transactions reflect Ultra's commitment to enhancing operational effectiveness in the defense sector, including military vehicles.

Military Vehicles Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
Crowdcube	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2010	3
Safran	Paris, Île-De-France, France	10001+	2005	9
Baillie Gifford	Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)	1001-5000	1908	13
Thales	Meudon, Île-De-France, France	10001+	1979	5
Omnes	Paris, Île-De-France, France	51-200	1999	8
Airbus	Blagnac, Occitanie, France	10001+	2003	6
EQT Group	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	1001-5000	1994	30
Saab	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	10001+	1937	1
Chemring Countermeasures	Salisbury, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	1905	0
Kongsberg Maritime	Kongsberg, Buskerud, Norway	5001-10000	1814	1
Montagu	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1968	2
Ultra Electronics Group	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	5001-10000		0

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