Conference | The Future of European Defence | November 18, 2026

The Future of European Defence: Investment, Industrial Cooperation and Strategic Autonomy

CMS is delighted to invite you to join us for an exclusive in-person event for clients and industry leaders from the aerospace and defence sector, hosted by the CMS Aerospace & Defence International Focus Group at the CMS Paris office.

At a time of significant change for the defence industrial and technological base, the sector is being shaped by evolving geopolitical priorities, increasing defence investment and growing international cooperation. The return of war to Europe, ongoing conflict in the Middle East and substantial increases in military spending, including at European Union level, are having a profound impact on businesses across the economy, extending well beyond the traditional defence and technology sectors.

Against this backdrop, the event will bring together senior industry representatives, policymakers, legal experts and CMS clients from across our international network to discuss the key developments shaping the future of the aerospace and defence sector in Europe and beyond. Through a series of expert presentations and panel discussions, we will explore the opportunities and challenges arising from this rapidly evolving landscape and provide practical insights into the legal, regulatory and commercial issues facing organisations active in the sector.

The programme will conclude with networking drinks, offering an opportunity to continue the discussion with industry peers and CMS professionals.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Programme

• 09:00 - 09:15 : Registration and Coffee
   
• 09:15 - 09:30 : Welcome Remarks
  Opening remarks from CMS representatives, including an introduction to the CMS Aerospace & Defence International Focus Group and an overview of the key trends shaping the aerospace and defence sector.
  
  Co-Heads of the Aerospace & Defence Group at CMS France:
  Jean-Philippe Thiellay, Partner
  Maxime Hanriot, Counsel
  
  Co-Heads of the Aerospace & Defence International Focus Group: 
  Wladek Rzycki, partner, CMS Poland
  Andreas Heim, partner, CMS Germany
  Alf Amund Gulsvik, CMS Norway
   
• 09:30 - 11:00 : Panel I - The New Economics of Defence: How Modern Warfare Is Reshaping Demand, Investment and Industrial Strategy
  As defence priorities evolve in response to geopolitical developments and technological advances, governments and industry stakeholders face important decisions regarding investment, procurement and capability development. This session will examine the economic and industrial implications of modern warfare and explore how defence organisations can adapt to a rapidly changing landscape.The discussion will be followed by a Q&A session.
  
  Moderator: 
  Vitaliy Radchenko, Managing Partner, CMS Ukraine
  
  Panelists:
  Prof. Walter Bruyere-Ostells, Sciences-Po Aix
  Barbara Matrat, Head of Collaborative Combat and System of Systems - FCAS Program national representative for the French customer, Air Power - Airbus Defence and Space
  Olivia Noirot-Nérin, Co-Director of the Sienna Héphaïstos Fund, Sienna Investment Managers
  Paul Wilczynski, CS Group (Sopra Steria), Group Business Development Director
• 11:00 - 11:30 : Coffee Break
   
• 11:30 - 13:00 : Panel II - Franco-German Relations in the Defence Sector: Partnership, Rivalry or Both?
  France and Germany remain at the centre of Europe's defence ambitions, yet their relationship continues to balance strategic cooperation with industrial competition. This session will explore the role of Franco-German collaboration in shaping the future of European defence capabilities, procurement programmes and industrial partnerships.
  
  The discussion will be followed by a Q&A session.
  
  Moderator: 
  Jean-Philippe Thiellay, Partner, Co-Head of the Aerospace & Defence Group, CMS France
  
  Panelists: 
  Dr. Martin Schäfer, Political Director for Defence at the Federal Ministry of Defence in Germany, Bundesministerium der Verteidigung
  Pierre Lévy, Ambassadeur de France, President of IHEDN (Institut des Hautes Études de Défense Nationale), former Ambassador of France to the Russian Federation
   
• 13:00 - 14:00 : Lunch
   
• 14:00 - 15:30 : Panel III - Strengthening Europe's Strategic Autonomy: Industrial and Legal Pathways for Cooperation
  As Europe seeks to enhance its strategic autonomy and defence resilience, closer cross-border cooperation has become increasingly important. This panel will examine the industrial, regulatory and legal frameworks that can support collaborative programmes, strengthen supply chains and promote innovation across the European defence ecosystem.
  
  The discussion will be followed by a Q&A session.
  
  Moderator:
  Dr. Rainer Runte, Of-Counsel, Co-Head Defence & Security CMS Germany
  
  Panelists:
  Mario Mauro, Former Minister of Defence in Italy, Former Vice-President of the European Parliament
  Renaud Bellais, MBDA, Group chief defence economist & Institutional Advisor of the CEO
  Domenico Gaudiello, Partner, CMS Italy 
   
• 15:30 - 15:45 : Closing Remarks
  Summary of key insights
   
• 15:45 - 16:30 : Networking Reception
  An opportunity to continue the conversation with fellow participants, speakers and CMS professionals

Details

• Date: November 18, 2026
• Time: 09:00 - 16:30
• Venue: CMS Francis Lefebvre , 2 rue Ancelle, 92200 Neuilly-sur-Seine, France
• Learn more about the CMS Aerospace & Defence International Focus Group here.

More about the CMS France Defence practice here.