EU maritime defense spending rises as four nations dominate production

European Union defense spending reached 418 billion euros in 2025, a 20% increase from the previous year, and is projected to hit 454 billion euros in 2026. Maritime defense is one of the fastest-growing sectors within this budget, driven by rising threats to ports, undersea cables, and offshore infrastructure.

The EU's maritime defense industrial base is highly concentrated. France, Germany, Italy, and Spain account for 87% of the bloc's maritime defense industrial base and captured 82% of the total production value last year. In 2025, France alone produced 37% of the EU's maritime defense vehicles, followed by Germany and Italy at 19% each, and Spain at 8%. These four nations also represent 60% of total EU defense expenditures.

Submarines now constitute 27% of EU maritime defense production, with the same four countries managing 93% of the bloc's naval exports. Major industry players including Naval Group, Fincantieri, Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, and Navantia are collaborating on programs such as the European Patrol Corvette while securing multi-billion euro export deals with nations like Norway and Indonesia.