Strategic Autonomy: Hidden Champions and the European PCB and Advanced Packaging Capability Gap
Technical analysis of the structural vulnerabilities in European electronics manufacturing and the strategic role of “Hidden Champions” in securing hardware integrity and defense autonomy by 2030.
7 pages · PDF · 21 January 2026 · Licensed single-user copy, watermarked to the buyer
Strategic Space, Satellites, Launchers & PNT Advanced Sensors, Radar, Lidar & Optronics Command, Control, Communications, Cloud & Edge Semiconductors, Microelectronics & PCB
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What this report covers
Technologies: Space, Satellites, Launchers & PNT, Advanced Sensors, Radar, Lidar & Optronics, Command, Control, Communications, Cloud & Edge, Semiconductors, Microelectronics & PCB. A sourced, structured 7-page analysis for European defence and dual-use decision-makers, from the DFM research desk and built on official and primary sources.
About this report
The foundation of European strategic autonomy is increasingly dictated by the physical layer of the digital ecosystem, specifically Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) and advanced packaging. While high-level policy often focuses on semiconductor design, the manufacturing of these physical substrates remains a critical bottleneck for the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB).
Modern military platforms, ranging from active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars to satellite communication suites, require high-density interconnect (HDI) solutions to function reliably.
Key questions this report answers
- Why do Printed Circuit Boards and advanced packaging represent a critical manufacturing bottleneck for the EDTIB?
- How do high-density interconnect requirements for AESA radars and satellite-communication suites expose Europe's PCB capability gap?
- Which European hidden champions are positioned to close the PCB and advanced-packaging deficit?
- What is the investment case for onshoring physical-substrate manufacturing rather than focusing only on semiconductor design?
Who it's for
Strategy, corporate-development and investment teams that need an ecosystem-level view — budgets, industrial capacity and technology landscapes — before committing capital or capacity.
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Methodology, format & delivery
DFM reports are built from primary and official sources — TED procurement notices, CORDIS and the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, EIB operations, the NATO Innovation Fund portfolio, SIPRI data, official budget documents and company disclosures — read together with the underlying legal texts. Sources are cited in the document; it reflects them as of its publication date (21 January 2026). You receive a 7-page PDF, watermarked to you on every page, delivered on the confirmation page and by e-mail immediately after checkout (personal link valid 72 hours, up to 5 downloads). Guest checkout, single-user licence — Terms of Sale.
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