Four leading French financial institutions have joined forces to launch a new investment fund focused on European defence and security, amid growing momentum across the continent to
bolster military capabilities in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and other geopolitical tensions.
The newly established Tikehau Defense and Security Fund begins with an initial capital of €150 million ($173.4 million). It is being spearheaded by Tikehau Capital, Société Générale Assurances, CNP Assurances, and the CARAC Group.
The initiative has received backing from the French Ministry of Defence, underlining the government’s support for strengthening Europe’s defence industry.
The launch comes just days after European foreign ministers signalled their readiness to increase pressure on Russia. The European Union has also committed up to €800 billion in defence spending through 2030, reflecting a broader shift toward enhanced strategic autonomy.
Back in March, Belgium’s state-owned Belfius announced its own commitment to investing in NATO-based defence companies, further underscoring the trend. Photo by Jiel Beaumadier, Wikimedia commons.