Rethinking Post-Industrial Warfare: A Critical Response to The Economist’s Vision

Contemporary debates on the future of warfare increasingly revolve around the question of whether technological innovation—particularly in autonomous systems, additive manufacturing, and AI-driven logistics—can compensate for the erosion of traditional industrial defence capabilities.

In an era marked by digital transformation, shrinking arsenals, and modular production models, some argue that large-scale re-industrialisation is no longer necessary for military preparedness or strategic relevance. This position is especially appealing in liberal democracies where economic constraints, political hesitancy, and labour shortages make industrial expansion politically and financially burdensome.

This analysis answers: What is the central argument of “Rethinking Post-Industrial Warfare”, and why does it matter for European defence and dual-use markets? What does this mean for European defence funding, procurement and investment decisions? How mature and defensible is the position described in “Rethinking Post-Industrial Warfare”? Which European actors, programmes and funding instruments are most exposed?