Björn Hagemann

Björn Hagemann, a Senior Partner at McKinsey specializing in security and defense, discusses Europe's pivotal transformation in defense spending. The conversation highlights the urgent investments needed to meet NATO's 3.5% GDP target by 2030. Hagemann explores various funding scenarios and the critical allocation of resources between equipment and personnel. He also delves into pivotal technology trends, such as autonomy and software, and the resulting paradigm shift in the defense industry, emphasizing the need for innovation and European collaboration.

Björn Hagemann, Senior Partner leading McKinsey’s security and defense practice, offers a concise take on Europe’s military shift. He discusses the surge in defense spending and how fragmented systems, long procurement cycles, and lack of standardization hinder readiness. He also covers industry consolidation, reshoring production, and ways to speed procurement with modularity and digital tools.