AI Engineers Turn to Europe Over U.S. Amid Geopolitical Tensions
European tech professionals who once saw the United States as the prime destination for innovation are now turning their attention to homegrown defense startups. Many are returning from overseas roles, driven by a mix of patriotic motivation, increased military funding, and the chance to work on cutting-edge battlefield technologies powered by artificial intelligence (AI).
The war in Ukraine and shifting international alliances, particularly under former U.S. President Donald Trump, have reshaped how European engineers view their role in global security. As the United States retreats from its post-WWII role as Europe’s primary security guarantor, many in the tech sector are stepping in to fill the gap through innovation and defense contributions.
Patriotism and Purpose Over Paychecks
For many AI professionals, the decision to move into defense tech is about more than money. Loïc Mougeolle, CEO of Paris-based Comand AI, noted that a growing number of engineers are mission-driven. “They want to have an impact rebuilding Europe, not just earn a big salary,” he said.
Despite ethical concerns about AI’s role in warfare, the sector is booming. Comand AI recently raised $10 million in funding, while Alpine Eagle, a German firm focused on counter-drone technology, secured €10 million ($11.4 million) in March. These companies are attracting experienced professionals, including former employees from U.S. tech giants like OpenAI and Palantir.
European Startups Compete for Top Talent
Alpine Eagle is aggressively expanding and plans to hire across engineering, product development, sales, and business roles as it looks to move beyond the German market. “Europe is a huge market for both defense and public security,” said CEO Jan-Hendrik Boelens.
Even though European salaries often trail those in the U.S.—with companies like Helsing offering up to $150,000 annually for AI engineers compared to $270,000 at Palantir or $380,000 at Google—the meaningful work appeals to many. Firms like Comand AI and Alpine Eagle are also targeting promising new graduates to build future leadership in AI defense.
Ukraine War Reduces Stigma Around Defense Work
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has significantly altered perceptions of defense work, especially among younger engineers. Stelios Koroneos, founder of Greek defense tech startup Variene.ai, said the war forced a realization that freedom comes at a cost. “Some people defend with guns, others with the knowledge they have and the tools they build,” he said.
Julian Dierkes, a 27-year-old doctoral student at RWTH Aachen University, researches reinforcement learning for defense applications. “It’s important to me that my research helps protect European democracies,” he said.
Investment Surge Fuels Defense Innovation
Since the outbreak of war in 2022, defense tech startups in Europe have multiplied. Investment has skyrocketed—from $62 million in 2022 to $254 million in 2023, and up to $626 million in 2024, according to PitchBook. The European Union’s defense spending plans include an €800 billion ($911 billion) commitment, while countries like Germany have pledged substantial budget increases.
This surge has also shifted the industry focus from traditional hardware to AI-powered software solutions—ranging from drones to autonomous troop-tracking tools. A recent report by Zeki, based on data from 800,000 professionals, found that Europe now hosts 1,700 top AI engineers in defense, up from just 144 in 2014. By contrast, the U.S. number rose to 6,927 from 487 in the same period.
Return of Europe’s AI Brainpower
Several experts cited dissatisfaction with the political climate in the U.S. as a reason why European AI professionals are opting to return. Funding cuts to American universities and research institutions under Trump have also prompted scientists to look to Europe.
“Many of the world’s best AI researchers are from Europe. Some left, but many are now coming back to build long-term resilience and value here,” said Jeannette zu Fürstenberg, managing director at U.S. venture capital firm General Catalyst, which operates a Berlin office.
Defense Tech Hub Nurtures a New Wave of Startups
To meet rising demand, networks like the European Defense Tech Hub are fostering startup ecosystems. Co-founded by Benjamin Wolba, the organization connects tech founders, investors, and policymakers. In 2024 alone, it helped launch over a dozen startups through hackathons in Munich, Copenhagen, and Paris—events attended by over 440 people. A similar event was held recently in Amsterdam.
“There’s growing evidence that AI graduates are more open than ever to working in defense,” Wolba said.
Young Innovators Choose Mission Over Mainstream Careers
Michael Rowley, a 20-year-old university student in the UK, turned down traditional AI job offers and even accounting roles to co-found Tiresias, a startup that builds sensor-based troop-tracking technology. “Most tech jobs involve writing code for advertising. Here, I get to protect democracy,” said Rowley, whose company won a tech competition in Munich earlier this year.
Marie Inuzuka, who previously worked at OpenAI and Palantir, joined Comand AI as a product manager last December, driven by the desire for “mission-driven, impactful work.” A descendant of survivors of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, Inuzuka said, “Defense has always been close to my heart.”
Outlook: A Sector Defined by Purpose and Growth
With strong funding, an influx of experienced and new talent, and growing geopolitical urgency, Europe’s defense tech sector is evolving into a major hub for innovation. Engineers and entrepreneurs are no longer just chasing profit—they are shaping the continent’s security and technological sovereignty for generations to come.
Contributing Reuters.
